Vandals dig up Kelly Gang attack site

HERITAGE Victoria is investigating after the historic site where notorious bushranger Ned Kelly killed three policemen was dug up.

The unauthorised dig at Stringybark Creek Reserve, which is about 35km from Mansfield in northeast Victoria, has sparked outrage and upset among the descendants of the officers who were shot by Kelly and his gang there in 1878.

Sergeant Michael Kennedy, and Constables Thomas Lonigan and Michael Scanlon died in the famous shootout.

The area of the reserve that was disturbed was at the Kennedy Tree, where local historians believe to be the place Sgt Kennedy was gunned down by Kelly.

Locals discovered the site had been dug up in late February, much to the upset of the family of Sgt Kennedy.

Leo Kennedy, who is the great-grandson of the slain sergeant, described the incident as being “very upsetting” for him and his family as the unauthorised dig could put future investigations on Stringbark Creek in jeopardy.

“I think it’s disgraceful what they’ve done,” Mr Kennedy said. “They’ve potentially jeopardised future archaeological work on the site if it ever happens. The family (of the policemen who were shot there) treat that site as sacred. We lost family there, it’s an important place in our family history.”

When contacted, Heritage Victoria confirmed the body was investigating the circumstances around the dig.

“There are significant penalties under the Heritage Act 2017 for disturbing archaeological sites without consent from Heritage Victoria,” a spokesman said.