Two heritage monuments in Melbourne have been destroyed in an act of vandalism, just days ahead of Australia Day.
A police investigation has been launched after the First Pioneer monument, built in 1871, was taken down and shattered at Flagstaff Gardens, sometime between 10pm on Wednesday and 6am on Thursday.
The site marks Melbourne’s first burial ground, with some of the city’s earliest settlers buried nearby.
Police believe machinery was used to pull the monument down as cable ropes were visible nearby. Vandals had damaged it further with graffiti including an inverted triangle as well as slogans like “The colony will fall” and “death to Australia”.
The Separation Monument, which was erected in 1950 to mark the separation of Victoria from New South Wales has also been defaced, with the words “Land back” appearing on both memorials.
Locals have criticised the act on social media, with one person writing: “So disappointed to read this. I looked forward to Australia Day when I was young, but now I’m waiting for the protests and something to be destroyed, like this statue.”
A crime scene has been established and inquiries are ongoing, with Victoria Police have urging anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Image: Reddit
