Mayor Amy Eden highlights Cairns Cemetery vandalism, pushes for state government support to address crime

A Far North Mayor has doubled down on calls for greater state government support to address youth crime following ongoing senseless attacks on a cemetery.

Police are investigating a wilful damage incident at the Cairns Cemetery, as Mayor Amy Eden labels the vandalism as "disgusting" while doubling down on calls for greater state government support to curb youth crime. Picture: Cairns Regional Council.

A Far North Mayor has doubled down on calls for greater state government support to address youth crime following ongoing senseless attacks on a cemetery.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden highlighted the latest attack on Cairns Cemetery at Martyn St, which she said occured on Tuesday night, labelling it as “the lowest form of vandalism”.

“On Tuesday night several historic graves were vandalised, in yet another senseless act,” Ms Eden said.

“This has caused great distress to the families affected and to all of us who value the cultural and historical significance of this cemetery.

Police are investigating a wilful damage incident at the Cairns Cemetery, as Mayor Amy Eden labels the vandalism as "disgusting" while doubling down on calls for greater state government support to curb youth crime. Picture: Cairns Regional Council.

“Some of the damaged monuments had remained intact for over 50 years. These are not just graves; they are cherished markers of our history, our heritage, and our loved ones.

“Among the damage are marble memorials, including a cross and a large book, smashed and thrown in pieces across the cemetery and nearby footpath.

“This is the lowest form of vandalism and to see these memorials desecrated is both heartbreaking and disgusting.”

Tuesday’s attack followed a heartbreaking theft of a mother’s ashes from the same cemetery prior to Christmas.

Police are investigating a wilful damage incident at the Cairns Cemetery, as Mayor Amy Eden labels the vandalism as "disgusting" while doubling down on calls for greater state government support to curb youth crime. Picture: Cairns Regional Council.

Mona Sheils’ ashes had been taken from a burial wall at the cemetery, between December 4 and 6.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said the hunt was still ongoing for the stolen ashes, while officers were also investigating Tuesday’s wilful damage incident, with police yet to identify the offenders.

The spokeswoman said there was no evidence the two incidents were linked.

“Cairns Police conducts regularly high-visibility patrols of the area to deter and disrupt offending and anti-social behaviour,” the spokeswoman said.

Ms Eden used the attacks at the cemetery to again call on the state government to assist with the cost of crime, which she revealed in October last year had cost ratepayers $5m.

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden is disgusted by the vandalism attacks at Cairns Cemetery. Picture Emily Barker.

But in November, Premier David Crisafulli’s office confirmed the state would not be compensating Cairns for the damage caused by offenders.

“As I’ve also said before, council cannot tackle this issue alone,” Ms Eden said.

“We also need support from the state government to address the root causes of vandalism and youth crime. This is not just about enforcement; it’s about prevention.

“I’m encouraged by the Crisafulli Government’s resolve to tackle crime, and await further action and announcements.

“I urge every member of our community to be vigilant. If you know someone involved in these acts or have any information, contact the police.”

Originally published as Mayor Amy Eden highlights Cairns Cemetery vandalism, pushes for state government support to address crime