Their plates overflowing with solidarity, many Australians tucked into Indian cuisine on Feb 24. From Victoria Premier John Brumby to commoners, crowds thronged Indian restaurants as part of the `Vindaloo Against Violence' initiative.

Brumby ate lunch with members of the Indian community at Melbourne's popular Indian cafe Desi Dhaba while Indian food, including tandoori chicken, was served at Queensland's Parliament.

Mia Northorp, who started the campaign to show solidarity with Indians in Australia following 30 attacks on community members since May last year, said she was amazed with the response. The campaign has led to many Indian restaurants across the country being booked well in advance for lunch and dinner.

Brumby said in Melbourne: "The Vindaloo Against Violence initiative is a unique opportunity for Victorians to unite and send a message that the actions of an ignorant few will not be allowed to undermine the reputation of Melbourne as a peaceful and friendly city."

"Victoria has been shaped by people from across the world. We come from over 200 countries, speak more than 230 languages and dialects and follow more than 120 faiths. Today, Victoria's 150,000-strong Indian community is a vital part of modern-day multicultural Victoria.

"Victoria's cultural diversity is one of our strengths and any attack on our community is an attack upon us all. Any attack motivated by race or prejudice is particularly disgraceful. In New Delhi, Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese, said, "This is a simple but telling gesture from the Australian community to India and the Indian members of Australia's community."