“Keep Geelong diverse and colourful”: community says

by Matt Hrkac | Jul 25, 2023 | Anti-fascism, Geelong, Social Justice

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Members of the Geelong community turned out in force to stand against racism and fascism.

The rally was initiated after eight members of the far-right extremist and neo-nazi group National Socialist Network (NSN) coordinated a stunt on the steps of Geelong City Hall, and later at the front of the the local union offices of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA). Images from the first stunt were given front page coverage in the Geelong Advertiser.

Sarah Hathway, Socialist Alliance Councillor for Windermere Ward. Photo: Matt Hrkac

Sarah Hathway, Socialist Alliance Councillor for Windermere Ward, based in Geelong's northern suburbs. Photo: Matt Hrkac

One of the community members who called the action. Photo: Matt Hrkac

One of the community members who called the action. Photo: Matt Hrkac

The rally was called by a number of community members residing in Geelong's northern suburbs, aided by their local Councillor, Sarah Hathway.

"This project's in response to recent media coverage of negative [and] racist actions in Geelong", the event description said.

"We're going to display our banners that will say "we stand together" and "you're welcome here" in different community languages."

In attendance were representatives from the CFMEU and MUA, as well as the Health and Community Services Union. Members of church groups, refugee action groups, queer groups and other anti-fascist and activist groups were also present.

Geelong says welcome. Photo: Matt Hrkac

Geelong says welcome. Photo: Matt Hrkac

The stunts of the NSN form part of an disturbing trend of far right organising in the Geelong region; which members of the community have pledged to 'resist, subvert  and disrupt'.

It's an election year! We were recently hired to shoot a series of team headshots for Greens candidates Emilie Flynn, for the seat of Geelong; and Jesse Holden, for the seat of Polwarth.

These images are to be used for flyers as well as for media.

With the Victorian State Election coming up coming up in November this year, we're making our services available to any community oriented candidate whose values align with our own. These services can include candidate headshots at a location in your electorate, photography and/or video coverage of campaign launches or filming of campaign related content. Get in contact to enquire further.

Note: we reserve the right to decline working with any candidate who we see is harmful or otherwise is antithesis to our values.

Greens candidates Emilie Flynn (Geelong) and Jesse Holden (Polwarth) standing with MLC Sarah Mansfield
Greens candidate Emilie Flynn (Geelong) standing with MLC Sarah Mansfield
Greens candidates Emilie Flynn (Geelong) and Jesse Holden (Polwarth)
Greens candidate Jesse Holden (Polwarth) standing with MLC Sarah Mansfield
Greens candidates Emilie Flynn (Geelong) and Jesse Holden (Polwarth) standing with MLC Sarah Mansfield

Matt Hrkac

Matt Hrkac brings more than 10 years of photographic experience in covering fast paced events and creating stunning imagery. Geelong born and bred, he predominantly works throughout Melbourne and across Victoria, and occasionally interstate as well. His work has appeared in numerous local, national and international publications.

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