Two women charged as Melbourne RSL sites vandalised with offensive graffiti on Anzac Day
Both were charged with criminal damage, drawing graffiti on property without consent and possession of a graffiti tool. They were released on bail to appear before the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 19 May.
Police believe two other acts of vandalism are linked to the incident. The Reservoir RSL sub-branch building was also targeted overnight with graffiti described as “anti-veteran, anti-Australian Defense Force and containing deeply offensive insults”.
A spokesman for the sub-branch condemned the attack as “disgraceful” but praised the community’s response. “Overnight, criminals targeted our building with hateful graffiti that included anti-veteran, anti-Australian Defense Force and deeply offensive insults,” the statement said, as reported by 9News.
These messages were sprayed on many of the exterior walls of our club on one of the most sacred and important days in our national calendar. Deliberately targeting a veterans’ organization on ANZAC Day is disgraceful. It was clearly intended to cause harm, division, and distress to veterans, serving members, their families, and the broader community that comes together each year to honor sacrifice and service.
Despite this hateful act, the criminals failed to achieve their goal. “Following the service, many attendees and members were unfortunately subjected to graffiti while attending our annual Gunfire Breakfast. “Although saddening, the overwhelming response from the public was one of unity, support and condemnation of those responsible.
“Today, as always, the Reservoir held together.” The Fawkner RSL Memorial stone was also vandalized, according to the branch, which said local people had pledged to help restore it. “The paint will be removed and our monument will be restored to honor the glory of our martyrs,” the statement said.
