Sutherland Shire mayor Kent Johns has told police a proposed Cronulla rally by the United Patriots Front and its supporters is not wanted in the shire.
Former Reclaim Australia spokesman, Shermon Burgess has proposed a "peaceful rally" at Cronulla. (See related story.)
Brand Advisor for Reclaim Australia Rally, Monika Evers, told the Leader that her client was not in any way involved with the event proposed for Cronulla by Shermon Burgess.
Miranda Local Area Command, not the council will have the final decision on whether the rally organisers will be granted a permit.
As of Friday, July 31, Miranda police said that they had not received an application for a permit to hold a rally at Cronulla.
‘‘I’ve spoken to the police and put my views strongly across,’’ Cr Johns said.
‘‘The use of language such as Sutherland Shire being the motherland gives not only racial overtones but extends towards the neo-Nazi which I find completely unacceptable,’’ he said.
‘‘After comments I have seen they are definitely not welcome and I prefer they stay in Melbourne.
‘‘Sutherland Shire is a tolerant and multicultural society and the views that this group promotes are not only unacceptable they are uncalled for.’’
Cr John’s stance was supported by comments on the Leader website.
‘‘It is so devastating to read that someone would want to perpetuate such hatred, ignorance and intolerance. Hopefully Cronulla learnt its lesson the first time. I have never felt so ashamed as an Australian (from Cronulla) as I was witnessing the riots in 2005.’’ - Kate Fitzgerald.
‘‘These troublemakers and their ignorant followers are not wanted here. Take your hatred elsewhere. How about your own home town in Cooma? Although they’ll not want you either.’’ - David Day.
‘‘I would like to see Sutherland Shire Council organise an art and cultural festival at Cronulla beach to mark the 10 year anniversary of the Cronulla riots in December this year.
‘‘A celebration of multiculturalism would be preferable to Reclaim Australia members and others stomping the streets yelling and being allowed to make the claim that they own Cronulla beach.
I don’t think the police should give permission to this group to hold a rally in Cronulla, particularly at the sensitive time of the 10 year anniversary of the riots. This would be very upsetting for a lot of Sutherland Shire residents and others who like to visit Cronulla.’’ - Derek Mahone.
