We hail from a country famous for our relaxed demeanor.
The loss of the Ashes has provided the English a reason to poke fun at us…yet it’s merely a continuation of what we’ve been doing to them forever.
However, it appears that Geoff Stephens, who resides and works in Britain, differs from his fellow Australians, as some light-hearted banter about his nationality has sparked a racial controversy.
The council employee is suing his superiors, claiming that colleagues have made racist remarks, frequently addressing him with phrases like ‘G’day, sport’.
At 48, Mr. Stephens serves as a community warden and has spent 26 years living in Britain.
He reported being on a ‘cocktail of anti-depressants’ due to the relentless harassment which he asserts will ‘eventually lead to his demise’.
He remarked that he requested fellow wardens to cease making Australian jokes, yet they persisted.
Common greetings included ‘G’day, sport’ and inquiries like ‘Is your girlfriend named Sheila?’.
Other lines included ‘throw another shrimp on the barbie’ and jests involving kangaroos.
It’s quite unimaginative coming from the English. They’ve been repeating the same tired lines for ages, so it’s understandable that it may become rather dull.
Regarding Geoff Stephens…it seems he has been in Pommie-Land for far too long, and as a result, he has become just as uptight and rigid as they are.
Mr. Stephens has been a warden in Dymchurch, Kent, for six years, forming part of a council team focused on tackling anti-social behavior.
A former immigration officer from the Port of Dover, he has been instrumental in establishing youth clubs in the community and enjoys a good reputation among locals.
Since August, he has been on sick leave due to depression and is engaged in counseling sessions.
He expressed that the remarks were ‘race-inspired’, stating, ‘At this point, I’m relying on multiple medications.’
‘Since August, I’ve managed only three hours of sleep each night, and this physical and mental strain will ultimately take its toll on me.’
‘My life feels shattered. I was deeply passionate about my job, and I accomplished a lot of positive work in Dymchurch.’
He continued, ‘I had forged a strong connection with the local youths, but now the village will face challenges without a consistent community warden.’
‘I’ve observed the rising anti-social issues, and I fear things have worsened since my departure.’
He mentioned his intention to sue Kent County Council and has corresponded with council leader Paul Carter regarding his situation.
‘The residents of Dymchurch have been left unaware of my reasons for leaving. I plan to bring the council to a tribunal,’ he stated.
One anonymous local remarked, ‘Geoff is an excellent warden.
‘His Australian accent draws some teasing, but no one realized the extent to which it impacted him.’
A spokesperson from Kent County Council commented, ‘This matter involves personnel, and we cannot provide any commentary.’
Originating from Adelaide, Mr. Stephens currently resides in Folkestone, Kent, with his wife Christine and their young family.
Additionally, he serves as a governor at Dymchurch Primary School and contributes a column to the Dymchurch parish magazine.
by John Jackson