Vandals have toppled a century-old war memorial on Tasmania’s east coast, pushing the top section of the St Helens Cenotaph from its base in what RSL Tasmania has described as “an appalling act”.
The attack reportedly occurred about 11:50pm on Wednesday and was captured on CCTV.
RSL Tasmania chief executive John Hardy said the destruction had caused real pain in the community.
“The desecration of a war memorial is not simply vandalism, it is an affront to the memory of those who served and sacrificed and it causes real hurt to veterans, their families and the wider community,” he said.
“Coming amid recent acts of disrespect toward war memorials and national symbols elsewhere in Australia, this incident is particularly distressing.”
The cenotaph, dedicated in 1923 to honour local soldiers killed in World War I, stands in St Helens Memorial Park.
The precinct includes the Wall of Remembrance, Tasmania’s Second World War Roll of Honour and a Vietnam War memorial.
No other memorials in the park were damaged.
Break O’Day Council secured the site on Thursday morning and provided “clear” CCTV footage to Tasmania Police, who are investigating.
“We are appalled and outraged by the damage caused to the cenotaph in Memorial Park,” the council said.
“This mindless act of vandalism is an insult to their memory and to our community.”
“We urge the individuals responsible to do the right thing and make themselves known to the authorities immediately.”
Hardy thanked locals for their “strong support” following the destruction.
“Our community deserves better and the memory of those honoured at this site demands respect,” he said.
“Such behaviour must be unequivocally condemned.”
