Celebrant’s anger at vandalism of “sacred place” Green Point

Place of connection for both the Yaegl people and others looking to make a lifelong bond cruelly damaged by hoons – and it’s not the first time.

Yamba marriage celebrant Christine Preston has conducted more wedding ceremonies at Angourie’s famous Green Point than any other place in the Clarence Valley.

So when she saw photos of the place where she’s helped so many couples make a lasting memory desecrated by hoons, who drove car tracks through the area, she felt “instant anger”.

>>> ANGOURIE’S History created in bush tracks.

Yamba wedding celebrant Christine Preston in happier times at Green Point. She is upset people have vandalised the spot she calls a sacred place. Photo: Wallflower Weddings

“I haven’t been down there to see it myself, I think it’d be too upsetting. I just saw the photos,” she said.

“There was instant anger. It’s a place that means a lot to me.”

Ms Preston said she knew the history of the area for the Yaegl people, but said for her and many couples it also held a special meaning, and one of connection.

Damage created by cars that did burnouts at Green Point, Angourie.

“I remember going there to do a wedding by myself, and it sounds weird, but I just felt this overwhelming feeling. I can’t describe it,” she said.

“I was talking to the bride’s father later about it, and he said he felt exactly the same thing – and I know a lot of others have described that feeling as well.”

Coffs/Clarence police are asking for assistance to identify those responsible for the damage, which they said was done between August 14 and 15.

They said that a vehicle had driven through the Koppers log barriers and performed a number of burnouts.

The timber barricades knocked over by a car which vandalised Green Point at Angourie

Distinct clothing was left behind at the scene, and police said they would like to speak to the owner of the clothing in an attempt to identify those responsible.

Police wish to speak to the owner of clothing left behind at scene of vandalism by car hooning at Green Point, Angourie.

Anecdotes from social media in the area suggest the act of vandalism has been a regular act, and Ms Preston said she couldn’t believe people could be so cruel.

“People just love it here, and it has so many memories for them,” she said.

“For what happens here, this place means so much to them.”

Damage created by cars that did burnouts at Green Point, Angourie.