Bendigo’s Dja Dja Wurrung Community Centre targeted in ‘hurtful’ Hattam St burglary

Heartless burglars have targeted Bendigo’s Dja Dja Wurrung community hub, smashing up vehicles and stealing tools.

Vandals damaged vehicles and stole tools from the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre on Hattam St, Golden Square, Bendigo on February 19. Picture: Supplied.

Heartless thieves have targeted a Bendigo Indigenous centre, smashing vehicles and looting items from a fire truck.

Employees from Bendigo’s Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre found the venue trashed on Thursday after burglars gained access to the Hattam St, Golden Square venue.

They also found windows of a fire truck and a ute on the property smashed.

Vandals damaged vehicles and stole tools from the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre on Hattam St, Golden Square, Bendigo on February 19. Picture: Supplied.

The crims tore up the interior of the vehicles, ripping out electronics and anything that wasn’t nailed down.

It’s understood the crooks also stole a fire extinguisher, a number of tools and electrical equipment from the venue before they trashed it.

A police forensic team canvased the area for evidence on Thursday morning, with the investigation ongoing.

Dja Dja Wurrung Group chief executive Rodney Carter said that the smashed fire truck was now out of commission.

A fire truck was left unusable following the burglary at the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre on Hattam St, Golden Square, Bendigo on February 19. Picture: Supplied.

“We hope in their reflection they realise what they did was wrong, hurtful, harmful, and that they’re remorseful,” he said.

“We hope they learn from this bad behaviour and don’t repeat it.”

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Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation represents First Nations people recognised as the traditional owners of the land in Central Victoria known as Djandak.

The organisation advocated for the Dja Dja Wurrung People, and facilitated the practice and sharing of culture.