‘Neo-Nazi' booing of welcome to country at Melbourne Anzac Day dawn service condemned
Small group booed and yelled at Bunurong elder Uncle Mark Brown's welcome and Victorian governor's acknowledgement of country
www.theguardian.comDirect answer: There have been multiple reports in 2025–2026 of booing during Anzac Day dawn ceremonies' Welcome to Country segments in Australia, with widespread condemnation from officials, veterans groups, and Indigenous leaders. For the latest, credible coverage this year, see recent reports from SBS, ABC, Guardian, and SBS-affiliated outlets.[1][2][3]
What this means and context:
- The booing or heckling at Welcome to Country addresses drew sharp backlash and was described as disrespectful and racist by many leaders, including state premiers and veterans’ groups. This pattern appeared in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth ceremonies in 2025 and continued to surface in 2026 coverage.[3][5][8]
- Authorities often responded with increased security measures and public statements condemning the behavior, while organizers emphasized that Anzac Day is a time of remembrance and unity. Police actions and public condemnations were reported across several cities.[1][3]
Where to check for the latest updates:
- SBS News and ABC News ongoing coverage of Anzac Day ceremonies and any incidents of booing or disruptions.[2][1]
- The Guardian’s reporting on Indigenous leaders’ responses and the broader debate about Anzac Day and inclusion.[5]
- YouTube and network news clips from SBS, ABC, and Sunrise provide quick summaries of incidents and official reactions.[8][9][10]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent articles and summarize each with key takeaways and any official statements. Would you like me to do that and specify a preferred city (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Perth) or a national overview?[2][5][1]