A man accused of booing during the Welcome to Country at the Anzac Day dawn service in Sydney has been confronted by a TV reporter.
Eli Toby, 24, looked like a deer caught in the headlights after he was approached by 7News reporter Clementine Cuneo outside his parents’ home near Penrith, where he also resides.
“Do you have any apology to make to the Diggers, to their families,” says an incredulous Cuneo.
“How’d you find me?” replies Toby.
He then requested that the reporter didn’t tell his mum and dad what he has been accused of.
“I haven’t told them yet. I’d rather you guys not tell them,” he said.
Police will allege that Toby was part of a group of people who booed at the Welcome to Country, the second time booing has marred the event in two years.
Indigenous elder Uncle Ray Minniecon, who was giving the Welcome to Country, said after the event: ““Why do people hate us so much? What crime did we commit that brings this out from people? What did we do wrong to them? It’s mysterious to us.”
Opposition leader, Angus Taylor has called booing at Anzac Day ceremonies “inappropriate and un-Australian.”
When questioned, Toby said the Welcome to Country was “not right” because “it’s designed to humiliate the memory of white Australia.”
The booing was widely condemned with one witness saying they were appalled while another admitted it made them cry.
NSW Police said in a statement: “There were about 11,000 people at the Martin Place dawn service. Thousands of people lined Elizabeth Street, Sydney, to honour service men, women and relatives during the march.
“About 4.30am (Saturday 25 April 2026), police responded to an alleged act of nuisance during a war memorial service at Martin Place.
“Officers attached to Operation Anzac Day identified a 24-year-old man attending the service and arrested him.
“Other people were moved on from the service.
“The 24-year-old man was taken to Day Street Police Station where he was charged with commit nuisance in, on etc war memorial.
“He was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 3 June 2026.
“Police will allege in court the man booed while at the Cenotaph site.”
Operation Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan added that the overwhelming majority of those who attended Anzac Day commemorations showed respect and acted appropriately.
“Anzac Day is one of the most significant dates on our national calendar, and police were pleased to see the community honouring the courage and sacrifice of our service personnel with respect,” he said.
“Thousands of people attended the dawn service, with family, friends and supporters lining the route to honour those marching.
“Apart from a small handful of people, those who attended the dawn service and march were well behaved and respectful.
“Police urge anyone continuing to mark the day to act responsibly, know your limits and look out for each other.”
