Chaos erupted outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on Sunday, July 20, as hundreds gathered for a protest that had been brewing for some time. What started as a quiet evening turned into a scene of heightened emotions and vocal outrage, punctuated with raised fists and fervent shouts. Residents, fueled by social media, flocked not just from Epping but from across the nation to voice their discontent over asylum seekers being housed in this once-quiet establishment.
As I approached at around 5:45 PM, it became clear why tensions were so high. The catalyst for this upheaval was a deeply disturbing incidena local schoolgirl was reportedly assaulted by one of the asylum seekers. This horrifying event ignited a wildfire of anger among community members, who felt their safety was compromised and their grievances overlooked.
Navigating through the crowd as a woman alone felt intimidating. An older man approached me, waving his phone, saying, “Cor, could you step into the road and stop the police? You’d do a better job than us.” His frustration was palpable, underscoring the desperate sense of urgency among the protesters, many of whom stood drinking beer and shouting angrily.
What caught my eye was the unexpected number of children present. Some clung to their parents while pre-teen boys donned balaclavas, gathering in small groups. This stark reality triggered fierce discussions on local Facebook groups, with many questioning the appropriateness of bringing minors to such an intense confrontation.
The Bell Hotel, once a quaint gathering spot, is now barricaded and heavily monitored. Ironically, just a stone’s throw away lives celebrity Rod Stewart, whose luxury is in sharp contrast to the turmoil facing the residents of Epping.
As I stood amidst the crowd, the atmosphere was thick with male dominance and intensity. Though violence didn’t erupt, the air felt charged with aggression. Groups of men shouted demanding answers, our local government’s decisions cloaked in shadows of secrecy. The protest was as much about the presence of migrants as it was about pent-up frustration toward local officials who seemed to ignore the concerns of longstanding residents.
Reflecting on the tranquility I once experienced jogging down this road during lockdown, it’s heartbreaking to witness its transformation into a boiling point of anger and disillusionment. A protest is set for later this week, and it’s clear that the community’s concerns are far from settled.