Disgust at memorial vandalism
VANDALS have desecrated Leopold’s new war memorial, churning up the reserve’s lawn with burnouts and smearing wax on its sacred steps to perform scooter tricks.
Members of Leopold’s RSL have labelled it a “disgraceful act” as the City of Greater Geelong prepares to investigate the damage.
Keith Pettigrew, a key proponent behind the site’s development, was disgusted to discover the state of the re- serve yesterday morning. He said that a car tore through the reserve on Sunday, narrowly avoiding several trees and monuments.
“It’s utterly disrespectful, disheartening and really disappointing,” he said.
“This memorial pays respects to those who sacrificed their lives for us, and to see this is so disheartening.
“I’m hoping someone was sloshed, missed a corner and found themselves driving through because I don’t want to think somebody did this on purpose.”
It came just a day before three teens allegedly applied wax to the memorial’s steps, in order to “grind” them on their scooters.
Alison Faye says she caught the youths in the act and quickly yelled out.
“They ran as soon as they saw me,” she said.
“It’s one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever seen a teenager do.
“They either have no clue what they’re doing, or have no respect whatsoever.”
The commemorative site, built in the northwest corner of the memorial reserve, was officially opened during a ceremony in April this year.
It was a project more than 90 years in the making.
Mr Pettigrew said he and other residents would now be keeping a close eye on the memorial.
“We’ve had such good vibes from the community about the memorial and what it represents, so we’re going to do our best to protect it,” he said.
“It’s going to cost us a bit in cosmetic work to fix.”
The offenders can face fines of up to $12,000.