A banner in the grounds of the Anglican Church in Castlemaine calling on the public to vote Yes at the upcoming Voice Referendum was vandalised overnight on Saturday night.
Fr Ian Howarth said he and other parishioners were saddened that someone had committed such a wilful act.
“Everyone has a right to express their own opinion without interference, so long as it is done peacefully,” Fr Howarth said.
“That is at the heart of the democratic principles of this country. Violent protest is not!
“It is a shame whoever is vandalising signs like ours at the moment does not have the courage to come and talk about it.
“That’s what the Uluru Statement from the Heart is calling for, to invite all Australians into the conversation and a path for change.
“We do not need to be afraid. Embracing reconciliation is key to moving forward as a nation together with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples coming together as one.”
