February 3, 2026 — One of Australia’s most iconic street art series has been controversially altered to feature a Bondi gunman, with these posters appearing across Melbourne’s CBD. City of Melbourne staff have been working tirelessly to remove these offensive images.
Approximately 40 unauthorized versions of artist Peter Drew’s renowned “Aussie” posters have surfaced in the city, depicting Naveed Akram, one of the alleged shooters involved in the Bondi Beach massacre that claimed 15 lives and injured many more. The posters mimic Drew’s distinctive style, using bold typography beneath Akram’s image, which has sparked widespread condemnation.
Community Outrage and Response
Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, described the imitation posters as “devastating and disrespectful” to both the victims of the Bondi attack and to Drew, whose work is being misappropriated.
“The Bondi terrorists will fade into history and their names will be forgotten,” Aghion stated. “The people who will be remembered are the victims, the survivors, and the heroes who rushed in to help. They represent the true Aussie spirit.”
Lord Mayor Nick Reece also condemned the hijacking of Drew’s work, calling it “absolutely abhorrent” and “sick” to use the image of the Bondi shooter. “Families are still grieving, the community is still grieving,” he emphasized.
Historical Context and Artistic Intent
Drew’s “Aussie” posters, which have been a staple of Australian street art for a decade, were originally created to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity. The series began in 2016 in response to rising anti-immigration sentiment, featuring historical figures like Monga Khan, an Afghan cameleer, and a young Jewish boy, to provoke thought about Australian identity.
Drew expressed concern that the copycat posters undermine the spirit of his work. “It’s more the statement rather than the quantity,” he explained. “I have to go out there and put out hundreds, but they can just put out a few to make the point.”
Political Reactions and Legislative Actions
In a show of solidarity, the Victorian parliament recently extended condolences to the victims of the Bondi Beach attack. Premier Jacinta Allan moved a motion condemning the atrocity and issued an apology to Jewish Australians.
“The truth is that governments let you down,” Allan admitted. “Your fears were real. Your warnings were clear. And we failed. I want you to know how sorry I am.”
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson highlighted the lasting impact of the attack, naming all 15 victims and urging immediate action against antisemitism. “The time for ‘never again’ is now,” she declared.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll emphasized the targeted nature of the attack and praised first responders, including Ahmed al Ahmed, a Syrian-born Muslim who heroically intervened during the assault.
“His courage symbolises the best of Australian multiculturalism: a Muslim man born in Syria, risking his life to save Jewish people,” Carroll noted. “He reminds us that this is not a fight between one religion and another, but between extremism and intolerance. Between hate and humanity.”
Past Incidents and Ongoing Efforts
This is not the first instance of Drew’s posters being misused. Similar incidents occurred in 2016, involving figures like Rolf Harris and Jake Bilardi, and more recently, Donald Trump and Bilal Skaf. Drew remarked on the irony that both far-left and far-right groups have targeted his work.
Mayor Reece reiterated that the copycat posters are not a legitimate artistic response but a deliberate attempt to incite division. The City of Melbourne has implemented a policy to remove such material swiftly, with teams working “around the clock” to eradicate the Bondi shooter images.
Drew remains committed to his artistic mission, stating, “Artists … arrest the viewer and force them to empathise and identify with these people. I don’t think any of the copycat posters do that, they don’t even really try.”
The City of Melbourne continues to stand against hate and intolerance, ensuring that the legacy of Drew’s work remains untarnished and that the community heals from the scars of the Bondi tragedy.
