A Naarm council has responded to a "hateful" protest by a group understood by the extreme-right 'National Socialist Network' at a shopping centre within its local government area.
City of Darebin Mayor Kristine Olaris said the council "vehemently oppose all forms of discrimination in the community".
Earlier this week, an image surfaced featuring the group, reportedly organised by the neo-Nazi group, holding a racist banner at Northland Shopping Centre in Preston at approximately 3:30 am on June 1.
The group were standing at the site of a violent matter which occurred last month.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the "disgusting behaviour" and labelled the group "cowards".
Victoria Police confirmed to National Indigenous Times an investigation into the protest has been launched, which was also confirmed by City of Darebin.
A spokesperson for Vicinity Centres, which manages Northland, told National Indigenous Times: "We understand that a group briefly gathered outside the closed centre in the early hours of Sunday morning, well outside trading hours. Security informed police immediately".
"Vicinity strongly condemns any behaviour that incites division or violence within our community. Such actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated."
A number of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations are based, or have branches in Preston.
"We vehemently oppose all forms of discrimination in the community and we believe in a racism-free Darebin, where community diversity is valued, celebrated and respected," Mayor Olaris told National Indigenous Times.
The mayor said Council's commitment to "and more inclusive city is reaffirmed in the anti-racism principles and goals" from within its Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights Framework.
"We encourage community members to report any form of discrimination through the Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (VEOHRC) via their Community Reporting Tool (CRT)," she said.
It is understood the same neo-Nazi group was involved in interrupting Bunurong Elder Uncle Mark Brown's Welcome to Country with boos and interjections at the Anzac Day Ceremony in Naarm.
