Fury as vandals damage lone pine tree at Sunbury RSL
UPDATE: Fury and sadness at Sunbury RSL community after its Anzac lone pine tree had to be removed after a vandal attack.
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ANGER, frustration and sadness have engulfed the Sunbury RSL community after it was discovered its Anzac lone pine tree was targeted by vandals over the weekend.
The fledgling tree, planted to commemorate a century of the Anzac tradition on April 25, 2014 at the Geoff Levey Memorial Garden, had limbs snapped in the attack.
A council arborist attended the site on Monday to see if the tree could be saved, but the snapping of the central trunk and hot weather drying up moisture from the remaining parts made it unsalvageable.
The council has secured another lone pine tree, which will be planted in coming weeks.
Club secretary Harry Beckwith said the news had rocked the club.
“When you follow the family history of this tree back it goes to the pine tree in the cemetery for the Anzac soldiers,” he said.
“The tree means a lot psychologically to RSL members and their families.”
Mr Beckwith said members started learning of the attack on Saturday evening.
“There is anger and extreme sadness,” he said.
“The stupidity involved is hard to fathom — these people have no regard for the history and sacrifice that goes with this tree.”
Sunbury RSL member Paul Levey, who is the son of former president Geoff to which the memorial garden is named after, said the vandalism was a double blow.
“I’ve been a member since I was 18 when I joined the army and my kids are members,” he said.
“Sunbury has been fantastic in the respect shown to servicemen of our country and I hope those responsible are found so they can learn why this was wrong and it doesn’t happen again.”
Sunbury councillor Jack Medcraft was furious.
“I can’t believe the mentality, what possible reason is there to do this?” he asked.
“The irony these idiots wouldn’t have been able to destroy the tree if it wasn’t for the freedom won by soldiers who gave their lives for this country.”
Sunbury police are investigating the incident.
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