People 'need to be vigilant' after Wodonga memorial graffiti incident: RSL chief

The words “safe sex” were etched into the cenotaph in red print, which club treasurer Judi Weir described as “senseless vandalism”.

President Kevyn Williams said the cenotaph - a memorial to those who have served in the armed forces - had been desecrated.

The club will look at what changes can be made to the site during a meeting next month and said the community should be on the lookout for such behaviour.

“I really would like the local shop owners to be more vigilant, especially with Woodland Grove being open,” he said.

“This is the first time it’s ever been graffitied so we’re lucky in one way.

“We don’t own the park, the council owns it.

“Whether the council would be willing to go ahead with some sort of security, I don’t know.

“I don’t know what we can do about it but it will be discussed at our next meeting and we’ll see what comes out of that.”

Mr Williams said there was “a lot of anger” in the community about the incident.

Wodonga Council staff partially removed the graffiti on Monday and a veteran’s son volunteered to further clean the site.

“I’m sure the individuals involved aren’t aware of the sacrifices of those depicted on the memorial, and any person who has been overseas and has paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr Williams said.

“Because it’s on council land any repairs come out of the council coffers, so we are the ones who actually pay for it.

“People wonder why they would do that. 

“The lack of knowledge of the individuals is inconceivable.

“That’s what’s upsetting about the whole thing.” 

Security cameras were installed at the monument in Albury in 2011 after the site was desecrated, but the Wodonga site is not covered by CCTV.  

Mr Williams said security cameras would not necessarily deter vandals as it was easy for them to hide their faces.

The Border Mail sought comment from Wodonga Council about possible security changes at the site but did not receive a response.