Two men have been charged with wilful damage after two separate acts of vandalism at war memorial monuments in Cleveland and Hervey Bay, Queensland.
A 106-year-old war memorial cenotaph in Anzac Park, Cleveland was found broken on Sunday morning after a 20-year-old man allegedly climbed on it while intoxicated.
He left the scene after breaking it, with photos showing the pillar shattered on the ground.
In a separate incident, CCTV footage showed a vehicle ramming into a flagpole at Hervey Bay RSL three times, with sub-branch president Brad Gray finding the damage on Monday morning.
Police attended the scene a short time later and apprehended a 38-year-old in a vehicle nearby.
He has since been charged with a range of offences including wilful damage, possessing a knife in public and drug charges. The vehicle reportedly had a mattress placed over its bonnet and windscreen.
Both incidents occurred just days before Remembrance Day, with Gray saying the timing was horrible and that he has “no hope” in finding anyone to repair it before then.
“I don’t get what these people get out of desecrating a war memorial,” he said.
“I can’t see the sense in it. It’s just sheer vandalism.”
Queensland Premier and Minister for Veterans David Crisafulli has called the act “disgraceful” and said they will take into consideration whether tougher laws will need to be implemented.
“We will watch the outcome very closely if it progresses through court, and if tougher laws are needed, they will be considered.”
Image: Redlands RSL Facebook
