By Kirsty Ross
FOOTSCRAY MP Marsha Thomson and Maribyrnong mayor Michael Clarke have expressed concern over a daily newspaper report of racial violence following the tragic accidental death of a man in Footscray last week.
The pair describe their disappointment as follows:
“We were nearby when we heard of the tragic accident and went to see if there was any assistance that could be provided by our office or council.
“What we observed bears no resemblance to what we subsequently read on the front and inner pages of The Herald Sun newspaper.
“The delight of Footscray is how well our diverse and multicultural community interacts.
“What we witnessed at the scene was exactly this: people of all races, ages and genders, freely intermingling – shocked, upset and genuinely concerned for the welfare of the victims of this tragic event.
“At no stage did we notice the racial tensions or racial outbursts reported in the story. There was one minor, isolated incident that while related to the accident, had no racist overtones.
“The community of Footscray has worked hard to be a gathering place of tolerance and harmony.
“People were genuinely shocked and emotional after this tragic accident and the impact was devastating for us all.
“Yes, there was high emotion, but to suggest there was a ‘race row’ is simply untrue.”
