The response was swift at Virgin Mary Mosque in Hoppers Crossing, where community leaders and MPs gathered with the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt, after the mosque was defaced with Islamophobic graffiti.
The attack, which took place late last week, was condemned in clear terms by the Minister. “The Allan Labor Government stands with the community at Virgin Mary Mosque who were subject to disgraceful anti-Muslim, Islamophobic graffiti yesterday,” she said in a written message.
Her statement described the Muslim community as an essential part of life in Melbourne’s west and across Victoria. “The Muslim community is an integral part of our community in the West, and of the modern, multicultural Victoria that we all love.”
The Minister affirmed her commitment to protecting the rights of Victorians to go about their lives in safety. “As Minister for Multicultural Affairs, I will always champion the right of every Victorian, no matter their background or who they pray to, to go about their life safely and free from racism, discrimination and hate.”
She expressed confidence that the community would remain united. “I’ll continue to work closely with our proud Muslim community, who I know won’t be intimidated by this hateful behaviour.”
The Victorian Multicultural Commission echoed that message, stating that it stands with the Minister and the Virgin Mary Mosque community. It stressed that acts of hate have no place in the state and that its work remains focused on strengthening inclusion, respect and unity.
For many who attended the gathering, the event served as a reminder of both the vulnerability and resilience of local communities. The calls for solidarity, made quietly and without fanfare, underlined a broader wish to keep Victoria a place where people can live their faith and identity without fear.
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