By Dongyun Kwon
Healesville resident Maria Konecsny was shocked when she saw a message from one of her private messenger group mates saying the ‘welcome to Healesville’ sign was graffitied.
It was on Friday 13 October, one day before the referendum, that one of the Healesville residents noticed some part of the ‘Welcome to Healesville’ sign had been targeted.
A person intentionally painted ‘Wominjeka’ on the sign in black to hide the part.
“This is so terrible,” Ms Konecsny said.
“We want the Indigenous community of Healesville to know they are loved and respected despite vandalism like this.”
Yarra Ranges Council responded to it quickly.
The council’s graffiti team removed it on Monday 16 October.
Mayor Jim Child said the council was disappointed to hear about vandalism to the Welcome to Healesville sign.
“We know that this is a time of significant hurt for many in the community, following the referendum,” Cr Child said.
“Vandalism by individuals is illegal and Council denounces any hurtful and disrespectful behaviour.”
The council respected the call from the Indigenous community for last week to be a time of reflection.
They are continuing their partnership with the Indigenous Advisory Committee moving forward.
Cr Child said they encourage the community to come together, to have empathy and care for one another and to listen to people’s perspectives in a respectful way.
“We will continue our work towards Reconciliation, and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to ensure their voices are heard and reflected in the decisions we make,” he said.
“Council is currently in the final stages of preparing our new Reconciliation Action Plan, which will be released to the community shortly.
“We encourage anyone who has witnessed this graffiti to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Healesville Police on 5962 4422.”
It has not been reported to the Police.
