‘I’m scared’: Council candidate targeted by racist spray

A council candidate in Melbourne’s outer suburbs says she has been left scared for the safety of herself and her family after a campaign sign was smeared with racist rhetoric.

Jamel Kaur Singh has campaigned for Waratah Ward spot in next month’s council election in the City of Casey on a platform of closing the “disparity gap in representation”.

On Tuesday Ms Singh was left shocked after a campaign corflute just 2km from her home in Hallam was “vandalised with racist hate speech”.

She said her “heart is racing and I am shaking” after making the discovery.

In a photo uploaded by Ms Singh to Facebook, the poster can be seen plastered over with the message: “Australia is for Australians. Go home and fix your own c*****y”.

Ms Singh said she reported the vandalism to police and that racism had no place in Australia or in the City of Casey, vowing to “push back against this kind of hate”.

“I’ve lived in this beautiful country for 44 years, since I was four years old, and this act of hate feels like a direct attack on me and my family,” Ms Singh said.

“Right now, I’m not just shocked — I’m scared. Scared for my safety, scared for my family, and scared for what this means for our community.

“I’ve always believed in promoting harmony, inclusion, and a fair go for everyone, but today I’m feeling vulnerable.

“This is more than a defaced sign—it’s a message meant to intimidate and spread fear.”

In a statement, Victoria Police said they were investigating reports of graffiti in Hallam.

“It is believed an unknown offender has written racial slurs on a billboard near the intersection of Frawley Rd and George St on September 24,” police said.

“Victoria Police takes any politically or racially motivated crime seriously, including criminal damage in the form of graffiti.

“These are criminal acts, and they will be fully investigated with the aim of holding perpetrators to account.”

The incident sparked an outpouring of support from council candidates across Melbourne.

Fellow City of Casey candidate Kim Ross wrote on Facebook the “there is no place for racism in out community”.

Independent candidate for Glen Ira, Arabella Daniel added “I’m so sorry you experienced this. Please stay strong and continue your positive campaign”.