The Taree RSL sub-branch has been left “absolutely disgusted” after vandals destroyed a war memorial in Taree, sawing a statue in half.
The incident is believed to have occured on Saturday night, after a streetsweeper reportedly spotted a group loitering around the memorial.
“I’m hopping mad, I won’t say what I’d like to say because I’m a gentleman,” said Taree sub-branch secretary Ted Hill, “but it just breaks my heart.”
“The town memorial honours people from Taree who gave their lives, it’s just atrocious and we’re absolutely disgusted that anyone would do such thing.”
The statues were unveiled on Anzac Day 2018, in honor of the centenary of World War One.
The Taree RSL sub-branch had invested $18,000 towards the original project.
Mr Hill says the damage to the statue is irreparable.
“They’ve completely sawed through one of the soldier’s legs and the rifle has been smashed off.”
“A new statue will have to be carved, you can’t repair it.”
Despite the heartbreaking act, Mr Hill says the town has rallied around the sub-branch.
“Phone calls are coming in from all over town,” Mr Hill said.
“It’s heartwarming to know those in Taree share our anger.”
It is an offence in New South Wales to damage or desecrate protected place, such as a war memorial, and police are now investigating the matter.
Anyone found guilty of damaging or defacing a ‘protected place’ can face a fine of up to $4,400 as well as a criminal conviction.
“I can assure you the sub-branch members and the townspeople will want to see these people face the full extent of law.”
“We just hope we can get to the bottom of it”.
If you or anyone you know has information about the act of vandalism, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
