Police are on the hunt for a person who vandalised multiple sites in Sydney’s inner west with an illegal Nazi symbol, including Universal Hotels’ lauded and recently listed Impy in Erskineville.
Offensive iconography and words were found on a number of political posters in the Newtown, Enmore and Erskineville areas early last week, and officers from the Inner West Police Area Command began investigations.
Many of the targets were posters for the Greens Party. As police were making inquiries they located further unlawful graffiti on a monument on King Street, in Newtown.
They found damage on 27 political posters, two structures in Newtown, and the Imperial Hotel, made famous by the 1994 film Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which had a swastika spray-painted onto an exterior sign.
Universal Hotels confirmed the wall poster was hit with the Nazi emblem on Monday night.
“Given the symbol was also painted onto a number of other buildings and signs in the Erskineville and Newtown area, it does not appear to be targeted specifically at the Impy,” suggests Universal GM Richie Haines.
“Notwithstanding, the entire Universal Hotels and Imperial team condemn these cowardly actions in the strongest possible terms.
“There is absolutely no place in our society for such senseless hate and intolerance.”
Management was unable to provide further comment as the matter is currently being actively investigated by NSW Police.
Detectives believe the vandalism occurred between 1.30am and 2am on Tuesday (22 April) and have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with inquiries, seen in the vicinity of Erskineville Road during that time.
He is described as Caucasian, early to mid-20s, medium build and around 180cm tall, with mid-length brown hair. He was wearing all black – a hoodie, shorts and thongs.
Police have taken a number of the posters into evidence for forensic examination.
Earlier this month NSW parliament passed legislation making it illegal to display Nazi symbols. This including swastikas and also applies to graffiti.
Offenders face fines of up to $11K, 12 months’ prison, or potentially both.
The incident comes just weeks after the Imperial Hotel was listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, in recognition of its deep cultural and historical significance. The State listing supersedes a heritage status with local council.
The Impy has been champion of LGBTQIA+ for more than four decades. Dawn O’Donnell, entrepreneur and prominent member of the gay community who famously ran gay and lesbian venues while homosexuality was still illegal, bought the pub in 1983 and transformed it into a vibrant hub for like-minded patrons.
The heritage status supports The Impy’s ongoing operation as a popular LGBTQIA+ venue while safeguarding its heritage values.
“Heritage is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about the stories, communities and movements that shape our society,” notes NSW Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe.
“The Imperial Hotel’s listing not only protects the building, but also recognises its profound contribution to LGBTQIA+ history in NSW.”
Universal Hotels, “proud custodian” of The Imperial, is keenly aware of its history and significance in the community.
“It was a pleasure working with the Heritage NSW team to negotiate site specific exemptions,” added Haines.
“These will ensure appropriate flexibility for future development of the site, so that it can continue to evolve over time.”
