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Family in
By Belinda Nolan
9th March 2010 11:05:10 AM
A ST Albans family claim they are being forced to leave Brimbank after being racially vilified for more than two years.
The claims have sparked fears among community leaders who believe racism continues to plague the municipality’s thriving ethnic population.
The family of six, who did not wish to be identified, said they had been living in terror after being victimised by a racist neighbour.
The vicious hate campaign has left the family terrified to leave the house, believing the verbal abuse and threats could turn violent.
Originally from Sudan, the family moved to Brimbank about five years ago to build a better life.
But now they are considering leaving the municipality, claiming they are sick and tired of being racially abused.
“My kids are not allowed to play outside,” said the father.
“Every time they go outside they get screamed at by our neighbour.
“It’s very frightening for them…we can’t live like this any more. They have called us black bastards and told us to get back to where we came from. “Our children were born in Australia.”
Lions Club member Les Tarczon has urged other victims of racism to come forward.
Mr Tarczon regularly volunteers to help refugees adjust to life in Australia and said he believed racism was more widespread than many residents would believe.
“I think most people in our community are very accepting of different cultures but there is a small minority who don’t share our beliefs and these few people are doing a lot of damage,” he said.
Brimbank Samoan leader Samani Sila said he was working hard to combat racism.
“A lot of it is just ignorance and the best thing you can do is educate people about different cultures,” he said.
Keilor Downs Police Senior Sergeant Anthony Brown said police did not believe Brimbank had a significant problem with racism but warned that discrimination would not be tolerated.
“Racial vilification is a crime and we would urge anyone experiencing it to report it to us,” Sen Sgt Brown said.
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