Ballarat cafe owner's post against “minority groups getting all the attention” triggers swift hospo backlash

A Ballarat cafe operator who describes himself as a “REGULATION Australia MALE” has railed on social media against “these minority groups getting all the attention”, a move that led to passionate rebukes from other local hospitality businesses. 

What about me? LeRoy Hand, co-owner of Turret Cafe, shared a post by outspoken right wing senator Alex Antic on his personal Instagram Stories on Sunday. 

Antic’s post included a video of him speaking in Federal Parliament. In his speech he claimed, “If you’re a regulation Australian male in 2026, you might actually be excused for wondering what this country has on offer for you anymore”.

It isn’t fair: He went on to complain about Reconciliation Week and stated, “you get Welcome to Country every time you step into an event … and then Pride Month rolls around, with its rainbow flags on buildings, and you get made to attend a Pride morning tea at your work”.

I’ve had enough: Antic said the “regulation” or “routine” Australian male is “told from an early age that your masculinity is toxic” and that your “background makes you less of a priority … is it any wonder Australian men are feeling so disillusioned, so disengaged and quietly angry as a result? Australians have had enough”.

Hand shared Antic’s speech and added his own commentary: “I don’t share my feelings on this too often … for good reason! But this hit pretty hard. It’s time we as a majority stand up and make as much noise as these minority groups getting all the attention. 

Now I want my share: “If we don’t stand up nothing will change, or worse we will lose more! It’s time to be proud to be a REGULATION Australian MALE.”

Instagram Stories disappear 24 hours after being posted, and this was long enough for Hand’s comment to reach others within the Ballarat cafe and baked goods communities.

You are welcome: Fresh Baked By Josh posted in response: “If you were unfortunate enough to have seen a story from a local business owner this weekend, I’m sorry. You are not less than, you are valued, you are welcome, you deserve to feel safe and respected. Ballarat welcomes all, and as a local business owner I’m absolutely disgusted and astonished that this was posted and left up for 24 hours …”.

Josh, who spoke on the condition we didn’t publish his surname, said he was “astonished that a well-known local business owner would so openly alienate so many groups”.

After many family and friends reached out expressing their upset, he decided to say something. 

🗣️: “That’s why I felt it necessary to speak up and show that not all straight, white men feel this way and it is most certainly not the opinion of the vast majority of society.” 

Josh said he was “heartened” by the positive responses to his post.

Diversity a strength: “It’s 2026, we live in a society made great by all people, and diminishing the value of diverse communities is not acceptable.

🗣️: “It was extremely disappointing to see a man, who has positioned himself as a leader in the Ballarat community, so openly expressing these thoughts just weeks after participating in fundraising for The Ballarat Foundation, [which] actively works towards inclusion and safety in the community.” 

Hand is a well-known figure in the Ballarat business community. 

Award-winning: His business won Best Licensed Cafe in Victoria at the Golden Plate awards in 2024 and 2025, and it’s an active sponsor of local initiatives including the local Business Excellence Awards. 

Hand also appeared in the 2026 edition of Dancing With Our Stars, an annual fundraising event for The Ballarat Foundation, an organisation built on driving “positive social change” in Ballarat.

More feedback: Ballarat’s Prey Cafe also responded to Hand’s post with one of its own.

“If you were affected by the recent Instagram post from another local cafe owner - one that diminished your worth because of your sexual orientation, race, gender, or religion - we want you to know: you are always welcome here. 

“We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung people, and recognise their continuing connection to this land and its waterways.

“Ballarat isn’t a white, straight man’s world - it’s everyone’s. There is no ‘majority’ standing against the protections put in place to honour who you are. You were always welcome, and you have a place with us. 

A great big melting pot: “Thank you for making Ballarat what it is. This city is a mix of flavours, cultures and people - and that’s exactly what makes it special. We would proudly attend 1 million Pride Month celebrations & Welcome to Country ceremonies. You are seen, you are heard, and you are loved.” 

The West Vic Brolga visited Turret Cafe on Tuesday to seek comment from LeRoy Hand. His wife and business partner Belinda Hand said he wasn't interested in talking as they are "not buying into all of it".

Comment has been sought from The Ballarat Foundation.