Unauthorised Forest of the Fallen display in Murray Bridge removed ahead of Anzac Day

An unauthorised Covid anti-vax display has been removed from a SA reserve where an Anzac Day Dawn Service will be held this week.

Anti Vaxxer group Forest of the Fallen held a pop up ‘event’ at Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge ahead of Anzac Day. Picture: supplied

An unauthorised display claiming to pay respects to people who died after receiving a Covid-19 vaccine has popped up just 400 metres from where an Anzac Day Dawn Service will be held.

Forest of the Fallen – depicting the photographs and stories of those who were injured or died according to organisers – was erected at Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge.

Photos circulating on Facebook note the installation appeared on Sunday but it had been removed by 5.30pm.

Holes left by the display in the grass at Sturt Reserve

Rural City of Murray Bridge chief executive officer Michael Sedgman said he was unaware of the display but said any such event at the reverse was not approved by council.

Mr Sedgman said he would work with council staff to ensure there was no disruption to Tuesday morning’s service.

Murray Bridge Mayor Wayne Thorley said while he respected the right for everyone to have an opinion, he hoped the community would respect and honour the Anzacs and not hijack the event.

“Anzac Day is about people who served in the military and their fallen comrades … I don’t think it needs to be the area and a focus for other issues,” Mr Thorley said.

According to a promotional video shared to YouTube after a similar event at Christies Beach, after erecting the sticks organisers hold “a minute of silence as a sign of respect”.

Originally published as Unauthorised Forest of the Fallen display in Murray Bridge removed ahead of Anzac Day