THIEVES TRASH WAR VET GARDEN
WAR veterans have been left reeling after heartless vandals ripped roses — dedicated to RSL members — from club garden beds in the lead-up to Remembrance Day.
Norlane RSL members attended the club’s Rose Ave property on Monday morning to find its once beautiful garden stripped bare — with 12 iceberg roses and rosemary bushes nowhere in sight.
Former president Gordon Burns, pictured, who served in the Royal Australian Navy, said some of the stolen roses had been planted decades ago in memory of war veterans who had died.
The roses were supported by stakes marked with individualised memorial plaques.
A number of other stolen bushes had only recently been planted to ensure the club garden was in top shape ahead of planned services on Saturday.
Club secretary Maree Ryan said the RSL’s 130-member cohort was devastated by the theft, but remained hopeful police would be able to track down the offenders.
“I am disgusted and thoroughly angry that people could think to steal from an RSL,” Ms Ryan said.
“Why touch a RSL? Many of the members have put their lives on the line for their country.
“If the thieves really wanted a plant so badly why didn’t they just knock on the door? We could have given them a cutting.”
The club, which is surrounded by a wire fence, has no exterior CCTV because “thieves kept stealing the cameras”.
When members arrived at the club rooms on Monday they found the front gates wide open, a half dead rose bush lying on the ground and dirt strewn across the otherwise neat, green lawn.
Mr Burns, who has tended to some of the roses for more than 30 years, said members had recently commented that all rose bushes were in flower ahead of the Remembrance Day service on Saturday.
“The members are just lost for words,” Mr Burns said.
“Especially around this time of the year leading up to Remembrance Day.
“The day means a lot for everyone who has served or has family who has a served. It also a day of mateship, remembering and camaraderie.”
The RSL members have vowed to replant the garden, when they have raised enough money to purchase new rose bushes. “We might have to have an extra Friday night raffle,” Ms Ryan said.
Geelong region police are investigating the theft which is believed to have occurred between 8pm on Sunday and 6am on Monday.
Anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in Rose Ave during this time is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The members are just lost for words. Especially around this time of the year leading up to Remembrance Day. GORDON BURNS