Vandals deface Mooroolbark war memorial before Remembrance Day
VANDALS have defaced the Mooroolbark War Memorial, days out from Remembrance Day.
Outer East
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VANDALS have defaced the Mooroolbark War Memorial, days out from Remembrance Day.
The Hookey Park rotunda’s cast iron panelling was smashed for the third time in a month.
This is not the first instance the memorial has been damaged, with the plaque — bearing the names of 12 soldiers from Mooroolbark, who served in the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, Borneo Confrontation and the Vietnam War — stolen in 2016.
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Luckily the plaque was recovered in time for Anzac Day.
Mooroolbark History Group president Marion Stott pleaded with the vandals to stop damaging the rotunda, which is also used to hold community events.
“It’s happened three times in the last month,” Mrs Stott said.
“We have this monument here to pay respect to all those who served, so places like Mooroolbark could exist.
“We want to be proud of it, not see it destroyed.”
Yarra Ranges Cr Terry Avery said the council was repairing the damage before Remembrance Day, and was also looking at redesigning the rotunda.
The area is expected to get CCTV to improve security in the near future.
“When the CCTV is working, it will act as a deterrent for this kind of behaviour,” Cr Avery said.
“It’s extremely disappointing and I think some people don’t have an understanding of why it’s there and what its about.
“People gave their lives and these tools come and damage it all.”
Mooroolbark police Senior Sergeant Paul van Gemert said police had stepped up patrols in the area in the hopes of deterring and catching the vandals in the act.
Sen-Sgt van Gemert said CCTV would be installed at the park in the near future.
“It’s meaningless and needless destruction,” he said.
“Anyone who sees people drinking or congregating in the area should contact police.”
RSL Victoria has been contacted for comment.
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