Free Palestine messaging has been added to Lismore’s Tinnie Army Commemorative Mural, prompting debate over whether political statements belong on a site created to honour the volunteer rescuers who saved lives during the 2022 natural disaster.

The mural was created to recognise the extraordinary efforts of our Tinnie Army - everyday locals who launched their boats into floodwaters to rescue neighbours, strangers and families during the most devastating event in our history. For many, it represents courage, selflessness and community at its best.

While the artwork has always encouraged community interaction, including messages of thanks and appreciation for the Tinnie Army, the addition of political statements has raised questions about whether the site remains true to its original purpose. The graffiti now shows pro-Palestine slogans such as “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”.

Signs have now appeared beside the graffiti urging those responsible to stop. One sign reads: “Pro-Palestine people: stop your graffiti in this town! You’re aligned with the Bondi shooters!” - highlighting the intensity of feeling the additions have sparked within the community.

(Printed signs have been placed near each of the pro-Palestine messaging)

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the mural was not an appropriate place for political commentary, particularly given recent events in Sydney.

“No statement on our Tinnie Army Mural is ever appropriate, and least of all today on this matter,” Ms Saffin said. “Where is their thinking gone ever alone heart? Today is a day for compassion and care.

“To our local Jewish community, we are with you in solidarity and support and as our Premier said, we want and will wrap that around you. We want you to be safe and will work here to ensure you are.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan also condemned the graffiti, saying the language used was deeply offensive to many.

“From the river to the sea, when a lot of people say that, they’re calling for the extinction of Israel,” Mr Hogan said. “If they think that’s okay to put on such an important mural in our town, calling for the extinction of a country and of people is completely outrageous.”

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said while freedom of expression is a core value, the way it is expressed matters.

“The freedom to protest and the ability to voice one’s opinion in safety is one of the great strengths of our country and our society as a whole,” he said. “But when it comes to desecrating other people’s property, that is not okay.

“Vandalism in any form is not okay. It’s totally disrespectful for the men and women that risked their lives in the darkest hours of the city to try and make a political statement, which holds no relevance to that particular mural.”

A member of the Back Alley Gallery, speaking anonymously, said the mural was always intended to be an evolving piece of community art.

“We’ve always been open for people to continue adding to it,” the gallery member said. “A large part of it was that we wanted the community to continue adding their own stories and their own opinions about the flood, and feeling really connected to that mural.

“We’re all for people having freedom of speech and being able to share their opinions. That said, the intention was always for people to write messages of thanks and memories about the Tinnie Army.”

Placed prominently in the heart of the CBD, the Tinniw Army mural was created as a space for gratitude, remembrance, and shared healing after the floods.

While it was always intended to evolve through community contributions, the recent additions have sparked an important question: whether a site dedicated to honouring local heroes is an appropriate place for global political messaging.