Claims of racism after pool clash in NSW

An aquatic centre in northern NSW has been accused of racism after it called police to eject indigenous families following allegations of ‘unsafe’ behaviour.

Officers were called to the centre in Inverell, NSW in response to a group of youths who refused to stop anti-social behaviour.

Police then identified two other adults who they believed were also displaying anti-social behaviour and both were asked to leave.

Inverell mayor Kate Dight said the council was aware of an ‘incident’ and that the pool management had sought the assistance of NSW Police.

‘Council supports the actions of the Centre Manager in ensuring the safety of users and staff,” she said.

But the actions were condemned by many locals at the centre who claimed the police and staff had acted poorly.

One local said online: “It’s not about the pulling the racist card, it’s straight up discrimination.”

A video posted online showed Aboriginal children leaving the pool, and stood around with towels at the entrance to the facility.

But a spokesman for Belgravia Leisure, who manage the centre with the council, said the footage was “innacurate”.