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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Locals angered after vandals graffiti 100-year-old war memorial

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Vandals defaced a 100-year-old war memorial in Beaufort, Victoria, with offensive slogans.
  • The incident has deeply hurt the local community, including RSL president Donald Carnes.
  • Victoria Police are investigating the vandalism, and the graffiti has been removed.

A 100-year-old war memorial in the Victorian town of Beaufort has been defaced by vandals, sparking anger and deep sadness within the community. The memorial, which honors local men and women who served in various wars, was spray-painted with offensive slogans including "death to Australia," "death to the ADF," "land back," and "blood on your hands."

I feel really hurt somebody would compromise something like that.

— Donald CarnesDescribing his emotional response to the vandalism of the war memorial.

Beaufort RSL president Donald Carnes expressed his horror and shock at the act, stating that he felt "really hurt" by the vandalism. He emphasized the memorial's significance as a place of remembrance for those who fought and, in many cases, did not return home. Carnes noted that the memorial has stood for over a century without incident, making this act particularly distressing for the entire town.

The whole town is really hurt. The memorial has sat there for over 100 years and has never been compromised in any way.

— Donald CarnesHighlighting the historical significance and community impact of the defaced memorial.

Pyrenees Shire Council also condemned the act, calling it "shameful." Mayor Damien Ferrari stated that the damage deeply upset the community and does not reflect the shire's values. Council staff promptly removed the graffiti and are now actively monitoring the site. Member for Ripon Martha Haylett echoed these sentiments, thanking the council for its swift response and highlighting the sacrifices made by Beaufort residents for current freedoms.

The graffiti on the war memorial at Beaufort Memorial Park has deeply upset our community.

— Damien FerrariExpressing the mayor's disappointment and the community's distress over the vandalism.

Victoria Police are actively investigating the incident, which occurred between July 25 and July 26. They are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. The memorial, unveiled in the 1920s, is a focal point for local commemorations on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, making the vandalism a profound insult to the town's history and its fallen heroes.

This site stands as place of remembrance, respect and reflection, and the damage caused does not reflect the values of the shire.

— Damien FerrariStating the importance of the memorial and condemning the act as contrary to community values.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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