“Unfortunately, we always knew Believe in Bendigo wouldn’t be a one-off, and we want the Bendigo community to join us and step up again.
“Over the next weeks and months, we will be running a very public campaign to show the Karen community, our entire Asian Australian community, and every culture in Bendigo, that they are welcome, and they are valued.”
As a first step, Believe in Bendigo is urging locals to take to social media to pledge their support to Bendigo’s Asian Australian community using the #BendigoTogether hashtag.
“Over the next little while we’ll be giving people plenty of opportunity to show their support publicly and show the world what Bendigo is really about,” Mrs Spalding said.
“We are community that digs deep to help others. We build, we don’t destroy. We promote, we don’t denigrate.”
Bendigo Police Inspector Shane Brundell said the incidents may constitute prejudice motivated crime.
“Victoria Police takes all incidents of racism, discrimination or vilification based on religion, culture or ethnicity seriously,” he said.
“Everyone has the right to feel and be safe in the community.
“If anyone is a victim of crime involving racism, discrimination or vilification, we encourage you to report this to your local police.”
Anyone under immediate threat should call 000 immediately while anyone wishing to report an incident after it’s occurred should call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
A video for the Karen community on prejudice motivated crime
Watch this special video with Victoria Police Inspector Shane Brundell from Bendigo Police Station explaining prejudice motivated crime such as racism to the Karen community and how they should report any incidents:
Bendigo Community Health Services thanks Inspector Brundell and Victoria Police for their support with this video.
Last updated: July 23, 2020
