Lake Mac Libraries Faces Backlash Over Unmoderated Racist Comments

Lake Mac Libraries caused a stir over the weekend after a sponsored Facebook post announcing journalist and author Stan Grant’s appearance at the upcoming History Illuminated Festival was inundated with unmoderated racist and derogatory comments.

The original post, published on 9 October 2024, shared the news that Grant, a Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi, and Dharrawal man with a distinguished four-decade career, would headline the festival. Grant is renowned as a Walkley Award-winning journalist who has significantly contributed to advocating for First Nations rights in Australia.

However, the announcement quickly attracted a series of offensive comments targeting Grant’s heritage and appearance. Some users questioned his Indigenous identity and made derogatory remarks about his skin tone. One commenter wrote, “He was never that brown when he was young,” insinuating that Grant artificially darkens his skin. Others expressed hostility towards his views, with comments like, “No thanks, I don’t need to listen to another person run this country down.”

The absence of moderation from Lake Mac Libraries allowed the harmful comments to remain visible, prompting criticism from other community members. Lesley Roberts urged, “These are all disgusting and completely racist comments. Can Lake Mac Libraries please remove [them]?” Similarly, another user, Therese Maree, said, “These comments are vile and so full of hate. Lake Mac Libraries, please get some moderators onto these comments.”

Community advocates are calling for accountability and immediate action to address the issue and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Newy 87.8 understands the difficulty in moderating rogue Facebook commments as it is something we deal with on a daily basis and we aren’t perfect moderating our comments in all situations.

Despite the controversy, many supporters are still eager to attend Grant’s session at the festival. “What a wonderful opportunity to hear him speak,” one user commented. “So looking forward to hearing him speak again,” added another.

The History Illuminated Festival is set to run from 1-10 November, featuring a variety of events, open days, and exhibitions across Lake Macquarie. Highlights include a cruise with author and journalist Scott Bevan on 6 November, a performance of Becoming Eliza on 2 November, and talks by acclaimed true crime authors Michael Adams and Mark Dapin on 2 November.

Bookings are essential for all sessions, with some events free and others requiring tickets. For more information and to make a booking, visit library.lakemac.com.au.