Nazis not likely to take off

FOLLOWERS of Nazi principles were unlikely to gain much traction in a multicultural city like Toowoomba, according to mayor Paul Antonio.

The Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor was responding to news that a nation-wide hate group, Antipodean Resistance, had attempted a recruitment campaign in the city.

St Mary’s College, Queens Park and the TAFE Southwest Queensland campus on Bridge St were among the targets for the group’s poster campaign.

The posters featured swastikas and images of Hitler, along with web page addresses for the group.

“There is no place for racist or hateful views or actions in a civil society,” Cr Antonio said.

“Thankfully, the Toowoomba region is widely lauded for its family friendly lifestyle and as a welcoming home for people from scores of different backgrounds.

“I’m proud of how our community is able to celebrate our different histories and backgrounds.

“Rejoicing in our diversity shows a great sense of civic pride and maturity.

“Welcoming and relying on the talents of people from around the globe has been part of our story from the start and continues to add to the richness of the region.

“The recent Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival and the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers again highlighted events that promote peace, joy, harmony and goodwill.

“I’m confident that outside fringe elements will find little, if any, succour in our region and be shown up as misinformed, misguided radicals.”

Many Toowoomba residents shared Cr Antonio’s views, with Facebook users commenting that the development was “sad and dangerous” and that it was time for young people to study history and learn from it.