Well-known memorial to NSW explorer John Oxley in Tamworth defaced with red paint, “invasion” graffiti
A well-known memorial to a British explorer who made a defining expedition through NSW has been defaced amid Australia Day protests all over the country.
A memorial to a British explorer who journeyed through northeastern NSW has been defaced with red paint and the word “Invasion” amid a spate of Australia Day protests across the country.
Oxley’s Anchor in Tamworth was scrawled with paint overnight, with pictures on Facebook capturing the extent of the graffiti.
The anchor commemorates Lieutenant John Oxley’s route during his exploration of NSW in 1818 – marking the spot where he crossed the Peel River to reach the coast, and the site of what is now Port Macquarie.
It was first unveiled in 1918 on the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the Peel Valley in NSW.
The person responsible for defacing the memorial has not been identified.
Mark Rodda, a councillor at the Tamworth Regional Council, said: “I do not condone vandalism of Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal European heritage and I find this reckless damage appalling and divisive at this time.”
“This memorial marks the route taken by the explorer on the 2nd of September, 1818. The obelisk was unveiled by the Hon. W.A. Holman, Premier, on the 2nd September, 1918,” he said.
“The anchor was erected by the former Cockburn Shire on the 2nd September, 1926.”
Marc Sutherland, another councillor and the first Gomeroi man elected to the council, told Guardian Australia the defacing appeared to be out of protest and “frustration” over Australia Day.
It’s not the first time the memorial was defaced either, with a similar vandalism taking place in 2017.
Lieutenant Oxley is also well-known for his expedition into Queensland, landing at Redcliffe Point in 1823 on orders to find suitable land for a penal colony up north.
While large protests in the capital cities have dominated this year’s Australia Day, Bondi Beach was still packed with revellers enjoying the hot Sydney weather.
However many of the once-renowned Australian-themed flags, hats and other gimmicks were missing from the crowds.
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