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By Carren Maris
Some time ago while doing my usual scroll through Facebook at the end of the day, I came across a post in a Hawkesbury community group shared by local resident Emma Kennady.
In her post, Emma described coming across a number of posters displayed in Richmond near the service station intersection. The posters contained messaging including “protect your heritage.” Emma stated she was shocked by what she saw and made the decision to remove the posters herself, also expressing her disbelief at the content shared.
As I read her post, I felt deeply disappointed to learn that material of this nature had been displayed in our local area. Having grown up in the Hawkesbury, I have always experienced it as a strong, supportive and welcoming community, and incidents like this are confronting and disheartening.
In 2026, within a proudly multicultural Australia, there is no place for messaging that divides or excludes. Communities thrive when people feel safe, respected, and included, regardless of their background.
The Hawkesbury has always been a place of connection and community spirit, and it is important that we continue to uphold those values of inclusion, acceptance, and respect for all.
For further information see Gazette stories:
Oakville Community Alert: Far-Right Recruitment Targets Local Youth
Council Reaffirms Commitment to Equality https://www.hawkesburygazette.com/council-reaffirms-commitment-to-equality/
