Homebush Hindu temple staff boost security for fears of Christchurch-style attack
The inner west’s Hindu community is ramping up security after a series of incidents in which members have been targeted in recent weeks. Leaders now fear a Christchurch-style terror attack.
Inner West
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The inner west Hindu community is boosting security for fears of a Christchurch-style terror attack.
The Federal Government awarded the Sri Karphaga Vinayakar Temple in Homebush West a $135,000 grant following what community leaders have called a growing sense of anxiety.
It comes after members of the congregation have been targeted in recent weeks.
The nearby temple in Regents Park has also recently been vandalised.
Temple volunteer Thiva Ragunatha said the measures were needed due to a sense of anxiety.
“We have some neighbours who have been saying some not nice things to us and our congregation,” Mr Ragunatha said.
“We’ve also had our donation box stolen.”
The New Zealand terror attacks, Mr Ragunatha said, had led to fear across religious groups in the inner west of potential retaliation.
The funds will go towards extra CCTV and other measures at the temple.
“Following (New Zealand) there was kind of some concern with religious organisations that a similar event could occur here,” Mr Ragunatha said.
“These measures are hopefully going to ensure whoever comes to the temple can feel safe and secure.”
The move came after Reid MP Fiona Martin had met Mr Ragunatha and other community members amid concerns of temples in the inner west falling prey to more theft or malicious damage after the Regents Park incident earlier this year.
“This newly constructed and unique temple serves a large number of Hindu devotees in Reid and the wider Western Sydney Hindu community,” Dr Martin said.
“These new security measures will allow for the installation of a CCTV camera and security system so that the community feels this place of worship is safe and secure.”
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