Regrettably, within the last 48 hours, the White Hills Remembrance Park has been the target of significant vandalism. The vandalism involves the monumental section and has impacted 11 historic graves.
A thorough audit will be undertaken by cemetery staff today and will provide a firm understanding of the exact numbers and in particular the extent of damage to headstones and memorials. After the Audit has been undertaken Remembrance Parks staff will be attempting to locate a living descendant or Right of Interment Holder. Due to the historic nature of the vandalised monuments the potential of locating a living descendant is reduced.
RPCV CEO Graham Fountain says “this is a disgusting and senseless act that directly impacts on the broader community. Our cemeteries hold significant heritage and cultural value and should be treated with the level of respect anyone would expect for a grave of their own family member”.
Police and insurers have been notified with the potential damage to amount to several tens of thousands of dollars (accurate amount unknown at this stage).
The damage appears to be a malicious attack and anyone who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour in or around the cemetery are encouraged to contact police.
RPCV Contact officer in this matter is Joanne Trickey, Stakeholder Advisor
T: 5446 1566