‘Absolutely disgusting’: Corowa residents shocked as white supremacists hold rally at border town’s war memorial

A group of about 50 men gathered at the local war memorial around midday on October 12, posing for a photo with a “white man fights back” banner.

Dressed in black from head to toe, with many covering their faces, they were reportedly heard shouting “Australia for the white man, the rest must go” and carried a flag with the logo of the National Socialist Network – a neo-Nazi group founded in 2020.

Cowowa Mayor Patrick Bourke expressed disgust at the gathering, telling The Age that the group were “definitely not welcome here”.

“It’s absolutely disgusting. I think it’s a cowardly act to continue like this in a public arena with children and family around, it just doesn’t work,” said the local mayor.

“It’s really unbelievable to think that this would happen in a community like Corowa, it’s definitely not welcome here.”

Last week, a member of the National Socialist Network, Jacob Hersant, became the first person found guilty of giving a Nazi salute in Victoria, after the state banned the gesture in 2023.

Hersant faces a prison sentence of up to 12 months for the offence, with magistrate Brett Sonnet indicating the only question was how long he would spend in prison.

However, Hersant said he does not regret the act.

“I don’t feel ashamed to make a political salute, no. These are my beliefs. I am a National Socialist, I will remain a National Socialist,” he said.

“I will still continue to salute… I hope the police don’t see it.”

NSW Police said the crowd of men was “dispersed” by officers following reports of an unauthorized gathering. There were no arrests.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000