Indigenous television presenter Narelda Jacobs claimed she was denied a seat at a Melbourne cafe only to give it to a “white man”.
The Studio 10 co-host, 48, took to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday to detail the shocking treatment she allegedly received while sipping her morning coffee.
He claimed he was given a seat at the back of the cafeteria, which he did not name, even though there was a “well-placed empty table” ahead.
Narelda, of Whadjuk Noongar descent, claimed the empty table was offered to a “white man” who entered immediately after her.
She shared her outrage over the alleged incident and posted a photo of herself having coffee at another coffee shop after taking her business elsewhere.
Alongside a smiling selfie, she wrote: “Good morning Melbourne, except the one cafe that denied me a well-placed empty table, sitting at the back, only to offer the same empty table to the white man who walked in behind me.” . ‘
She followed her post with a photo of her enjoying a coffee at the other cafe, adding: “Show them how it’s done.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Narelda for comment.
Indigenous TV presenter Narelda Jacobs (pictured) claimed she was denied a seat at a Melbourne cafe only to give it to a “white man”.
Broadcaster 10News First Perth has long been a strong supporter of Indigenous rights in Australia and sits on the board of the National Justice Project.
Last year, he promised to educate Australians about the colonial history of Australia Day and urged citizens not to celebrate the national day.
January 26 marks the anniversary of the arrival in 1788 of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the flag of Great Britain in Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.
For many indigenous Australians, the day is not a cause for celebration, but rather a reminder of the dispossession of their lands, culture and people.
Narelda said The daily telegraph many Australians remain unaware of the history of colonialism and she feels it is her responsibility to “educate” the country on why the date should be changed.
“There is no way we can celebrate January 26, now or in the future, because the impacts of colonization have lasted more than 230 years and will continue to last because it is intergenerational,” he said.
‘The poverty we have in this country among First Nations people is absolutely heartbreaking, and yet within half an hour you can go from extreme poverty to the ranks of billionaires.
The Studio 10 co-host, 48, took to her Instagram Stories to allege that a cafe refused to seat her at the front of the restaurant and put her at the back, only to offer the table to a “white man” .
‘So that’s what January 26 represents to me: it was the beginning of that trauma for our people.
“So we need to open the eyes of the rest of the population and educate them about changing the date and not being a date to celebrate; then we will be a better country.”
Narelda also paid moving tribute to her Indigenous heritage during her wedding to partner Karina Natt in August this year.
The couple exchanged vows in front of their loved ones in a romantic ceremony and stood under an arch of flowers as they said “I do.”
The arch was built by Indigenous designer Teagan Murdock of Ngumpie Weaving and formed the centerpiece of the wedding ceremony.
The piece featured flowers and feathers native to an emu, a bird considered a totem animal for some Aboriginal groups.
Narelda also paid touching tribute to her Indigenous heritage during her wedding to partner Karina Natt with the floral arch under which they exchanged vows (pictured).
The emu represents a sacred connection between humans and the natural world and symbolizes resilience, strength and survival.
Narelda explained in an Instagram caption: ‘The wedding arch, our bouquets and table flowers brought a touch of bush to Sydney’s CBD.
‘Thank you for being present in all the details as our event manager. Thank you.’
Narelda’s late father Cedric was an Indigenous man and member of the Stolen Generations, while her mother Margaret, who is white, emigrated to Australia from Northern Ireland with her family.