A Port Macquarie family has been left feeling shocked and fearful after they received a racial hate letter in their mailbox and were abused based on their cultural background.
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A woman, who did not wish to be identified, and who lives at the house with her husband, their children and her in-laws said it's hard to believe this type of behaviour is still occurring within the community.
Using colourful language, the letter stated the family should move back to where they came from and take their disease (referring to COVID-19) with them.
The woman's in-laws moved from the Philippines over 20 years ago. They have three children, including the woman's husband.
The woman said her family have been judged without the abuser knowing about their heritage.
The person who sent the letter is known by the family and has allegedly previously verbally abused them, taken photos of the woman's young children and been on the property without permission.
The family have reported the most recent incident to the police who are currently investigating.
The woman said she now feels unsafe to go outside with her two children, as she is scared for their wellbeing.
However, she said her family are made up of strong-willed people who won't move to another area because of someone's ignorant views.
The woman said in the time of the coronavirus crisis, the community should be banding together, unlike some people who are looking for others to blame.
The woman thanked the wider community for its support in the wake of receiving the letter.
Their kind words have helped to bring the family some hope in these difficult times.
The woman is urging the wider community to unite, instead of discriminating against other people for no good reason.
It is not the first incident of racial abuse in Port Macquarie since the region has been impacted by COVID-19.
Chinese trainee pilots from the Australian International Aviation School in Port Macquarie have been verbally abused, intimidated and taunted by members of the public.
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