By Renee Wood
Healesville RSL has repeatedly been targeted by vandals for the third time in a matter of weeks with graffiti sprayed at the back of the building.
Welfare Officer Mark said it’s devastating to see something like this happen to a place that does so much for the community.
“It’s an utter disgrace for something that is literally a shrine of Healesville to be defaced the way it is, shows such disrespect I’m absolutely horrified,” he said.
“This is pure vandalism. This is defacing a shrine where blood has been spilled, and there’s something like 100 names on that honour board that has deceased people that were killed in action.”
CCTV has captured the criminals and it has been reported to police, but Mark is urging the community to also be proactive and report any suspicious behaviour seen in the town.
“I just want this for the public to be made aware of…and start reporting it more if they see any illegal behaviour.”
The vandalism has hit the heart of the ex-service man who said the RSL is built around supporting the community as a non-profit organisation and a registered charity.
“We’re a non-profit organization that serves our community, serves our veterans and the veterans families – the amount of work this RSL does for the community.
“This place was built on the people that didn’t come home from wars and it is a memorial and it is a shrine to those people and everyone who ever wore a uniform. So please as a community look after it and respect it.”
Sergeant Kirsty Swankie said police are investigating this incident and further graffiti issues in the area.
“It is important that we receive reports so if you do go down to the station and the door is locked it’s because we are out on patrol,” Sgt Swankie said.
“So please call 000 or call the station and leave a message on the message bank.”
Residents may also start to see letters in their mailbox from police if there has been graffiti reported in their street or area which asks for anyone to come forward with CCTV or information.
