Gladstone seafarers target of ‘shameful display of racism and discrimination’
A vehicle carrying a group of Gladstone workers was the target of a shocking attack this week. Here’s what happened and the fallout from it.
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A group of Gladstone workers was the target of a “shameful display of racism and discrimination” this week when a bus they were passengers in was allegedly attacked by juveniles throwing large rocks and hurling racial abuse.
In a Facebook post, the Gladstone Seafarers Centre called out a “gang of youths” as those responsible for Tuesday night’s incidents.
The organisation has filed a report with police.
It is alleged the group of delinquents first began harassing a crew of seafarers on board a Gladstone Seafarers Centre bus, along with their volunteer driver, while they visited Stockland Shopping Centre.
Things reportedly escalated from there with the group allegedly following the bus to the Kin Kora McDonald’s carpark were they continued their harassment.
Gladstone Seafarers Centre is a locally run human rights and welfare charity servicing the Port of Gladstone.
According to the centre, the crew on board had not been ashore in months, yet chose to spend their “hard earned dollars here in Gladstone funding businesses that support and employ locals.”
Gladstone Seafarers Centre manager Melinda Andersen said the juveniles were screaming racial slurs and throwing large ornamental rocks out of the garden bed.
“It was really confronting and very upsetting for everyone involved,” Ms Andersen said.
“This was a really terrible encounter for the seafarers to receive and a disappointing welcome to Gladstone”.
Gladstone Seafarers Centre prides itself on caring for all who need its services regardless of race, religion, gender, sexuality or rank.
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