‘Welcome to country’ held before bombshell Neighbours claims

A “welcome to country’ ceremony was held by Channel 10 near the set of Neighbours weeks before the racism allegations about the show emerged.

Channel 10 hosted a traditional “welcome to country” ceremony near the set of Neighbours weeks before ­explosive claims of racism were levelled at the show.

A crew member who works on the popular soap and who attended the ceremony said the event was called out of the blue and without explanation.

“Everybody got called out the front of (Ten’s Nunawading Studios),” the production source said.

“We all stood together and everybody got involved. An elder made a speech, they lit the gum leaves, we all took part in having the smoke waft across us. We all took turns, then went back to work.”

The insider said the ­ceremony took place five weeks ago.

Former Neighbours star Sharon Johal. Picture: Channel 10

Former Neighbours actor Shareena Clanton.

He said actor Shareena Clanton, who earlier this week made claims about racist incidents on the show, made a speech at the ceremony.

“We were told it was out of respect for the original landowners. It was a welcome to country ceremony like they do at the footy. We all stopped work, and it went for half an hour. It was really good to learn about the history of the area,” he said.

A Ten spokesman ­confirmed the ceremony took place.

In a series of bombshell claims, Clanton said she was subjected to the “N-word” while on the set of Neighbours and said an actor of colour was described by a colleague as a “li’l monkey.”

Her claims were backed by former Neighbours actor Meyne Wyatt, with Ramsay St favourite Sharon Johal also showing support for the actors.

Fremantle, which produces the show, has ordered an independent review of Neighbours and the production process.

Former Neighbours actor Meyne Wyatt. Picture: Britta Campion

“We do not tolerate behaviour that does not align to our anti-discrimination, equal employment opportunity, harassment and bullying policy and take all complaints very seriously, investigating all allegations,” Fremantle Asia Pacific chief executive Chris Oliver-Taylor said.

A Network 10 spokesman added: “We support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against racism and discrimination. We will work with Fremantle and all cast and crew to investigate and ensure Neighbours continues to foster a fully inclusive environment.”

On Friday, Clanton said on Instagram that she had engaged a lawyer and is speaking to the Human Rights Commissioner about “the deeply ingrained systemic levels of racism, sexism, misogyny and gross misconduct that is apparent on @neighbours”. Clanton also claimed racism is rife within the broader TV and film industry.

She alleged someone else made a comment that the “only reason” Neighbours employed Indian actors or diverse actors of colour on the show was to “fill their diversity quotas” and “not because they were any good”.

She again said the word “N-word” was used multiple times in her presence and was laughed off as not a “big deal”.

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