Offensive Melbourne Posters Linked to Neo-Nazi Associate
Melbourne’s art scene has been marred by a series of offensive posters that replaced a celebrated series honouring the nation’s multiculturalism with disturbing imagery. Approximately 50 unauthorised prints, mimicking the style of Adelaide artist Peter Drew’s recognisable “Aussie” posters, appeared across the Melbourne CBD in late January. However, instead of celebrating Australian identity, these knock-offs featured the face of Naveed Akram, one of the alleged perpetrators of the tragic Bondi terror attack that resulted in 15 fatalities and 40 injuries.
The individual claiming responsibility for this act of vandalism is Hugo Lennon, a 21-year-old who shared a video on YouTube detailing his involvement. In the footage, Lennon, identified by his online moniker “auspill,” is seen with another right-wing associate, both clad in high-visibility jackets, standing before one of the defaced posters.
The disturbing campaign extended beyond the Bondi attacker’s image. Other posters were defaced with the likenesses of prominent controversial figures, including former US President Donald Trump and Man Haron Monis, the individual responsible for the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege.
Lennon, in his video, described the posters as “symbols within a visual inquiry,” asserting that the individuals depicted were not presented as heroes or villains, but rather as a means to “interrogate the frameworks that shape modern Australia.” The accompanying video caption further suggested a mocking tone towards the original artist’s intentions.
Hugo Lennon is reportedly a Melbourne-based influencer who initially gained an online following through content related to fitness and wellness, including videos discussing “icing your balls.” His online persona later shifted towards sharing anti-mass-immigration sentiments across his platforms. Records indicate Lennon is an alumnus of Scotch College, a prominent private school in Melbourne’s southeast. Furthermore, he is the grandson of Tony Lennon, the former president of the Perth-based development firm Peet. His father, Anthony Lennon, continues to serve as a non-executive director at the same company, as reported previously.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Lennon is alleged to have connections with the neo-Nazi group National Socialist Network. He was also reportedly involved in organising a “March for Australia” event in Melbourne in 2025.
Police Investigation Underway
Victoria Police have confirmed an investigation into the appearance of these concerning posters. A police spokesperson stated that officers are examining several posters that emerged in Richmond, the CBD, and surrounding areas over the January long weekend.
“Officers have reviewed CCTV and our inquiries are ongoing in relation to the offence of billposting and other more serious offences,” the spokesperson said. The police force has also been in contact with the Melbourne City Council regarding the matter and has appealed to the public for any information, urging individuals to report details to Crime Stoppers.
Condemnation from City Leaders
The defaced posters have drawn strong condemnation from Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Nick Reece, who described the act as “just sick” and immediately ordered their removal. Speaking in early February, Mayor Reece acknowledged Peter Drew’s original posters as a “powerful provocation about Australia’s history and national identity” and praised them as “great art” and a prime example of how contemporary street art can engage in politics and social activism.
Mayor Reece characterised the hijacked posters as a “deliberate and organised exercise to shock and spread hate,” noting their swift removal from public walls. He expressed outrage that Drew’s work had been “hijacked and appropriated into images of hatred and division is absolutely abhorrent.” He specifically highlighted the insensitivity of using the image of the Bondi shooter, stating, “To use the image of the Bondi shooter is just sick. Families are still grieving, the community is still grieving, 15 people died – including a 10-year-old girl.”
Mayor Reece emphatically stated that there was “no possible universe” in which the copycat posters could be construed as an “artistic response to the original series.” He reiterated, “This was clearly a deliberate and organised exercise to shock and spread hate, and we are not going to tolerate that crap on the walls of our city.” He confirmed that council workers removed the posters within an hour of them being reported.
CCTV footage, according to the Mayor, clearly shows the perpetrators. “About 50 posters were plastered around the city. The detail we have suggests it was a co-ordinated effort,” he commented. “Our approach is ‘whatever it takes’. We are not going to tolerate hateful, racist material on the streets of our city, for even one hour.”
Artist’s Disappointment and Call for Maturity
Peter Drew, the artist whose work was appropriated, expressed his disappointment, calling Lennon’s actions “sad.” He remarked, “These boys have their whole lives ahead of them but they’re throwing it all away for online clout.” Drew added, “I wish they had an older brother to shake some sense into them and say ‘Maybe don’t make posters glorifying terrorists.’” He questioned their patriotism, suggesting, “They pretend to love Australia but really they just love attention. They’re not real patriots.” Drew also conveyed a sense of relief that the posters were not created by individuals with more serious intentions.
Lord Mayor Reece echoed these sentiments, urging the young men involved to mature. “These boys need to grow up and realise that their actions have very serious consequences for a community that is grieving – they should be ashamed of themselves,” he stated. He concluded by acknowledging the gravity of the situation, noting, “This was a clear assault on the Jewish community and Australian values and I’m pleased to see the matter is being taken seriously by police.”
