'Completely unacceptable': Act of violence strikes historical venue days before Australia Day
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Australia Day is a time of reflection about the country's history and identity.
With this, historic places are also preparing for a surge of Aussies ready to pay tribute to the nation's most influential figures.
However, one of these places recently condemned a 'completely unacceptable' act just before the celebrations.
The Prime Ministers Avenue, located in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, was opened in 1940 to commemorate Australia's long roster of leaders.
However, on a quiet Thursday morning, the garden's serene atmosphere was disrupted by an act of destruction.
Anonymous individuals recently targeted The Prime Ministers Avenue and did severe damage to the property.
The busts of former Labor leaders Paul Keating and Kevin Rudd were decapitated.
Meanwhile, nameplates of over 20 bronze statues were obscured with spray paint.
According to Ballarat Senior Sergeant Brad Hall, the total damage reached about $140,000.
'Most of the busts had red crosses painted on them; there was another commentary around "The Commonwealth will fall" and other political rhetoric,' Sgt Hall added.
The City of Ballarat expressed their sentiments about the incident online.
'The City of Ballarat strongly condemns graffiti and vandalism of any kind. This type of senseless damage is completely unacceptable,' the council wrote in a statement.
'It is not only extremely costly to our ratepayers and will divert money away from critical Council services, but it detracts from Ballarat as a city.'
Mark Schultz, the chair of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation, echoed the council's sentiments.
'We hope the vandals are identified and charged and appropriately dealt with by the law,' Mr Schultz said.
The busts are now covered and surrounded by temporary fencing.
The Victoria Police have already started investigations into the incident
The council also urged community members to assist in the investigation.
'If anyone has any information in relation to this, we'd encourage them to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,' the council ended their statement.
This incident should be a reminder that while Australians celebrate the nation's achievements, they should also protect the country's historic symbols and everyone's shared history.
The vandalism was more than just an attack on inanimate objects; it was an affront to the collective memory and respect Aussies hold for those who led the country.
Have you visited the Prime Ministers Avenue in Ballarat? What does this act of vandalism mean to you? Please share your opinions about this issue in the comments section below.
With this, historic places are also preparing for a surge of Aussies ready to pay tribute to the nation's most influential figures.
However, one of these places recently condemned a 'completely unacceptable' act just before the celebrations.
The Prime Ministers Avenue, located in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, was opened in 1940 to commemorate Australia's long roster of leaders.
However, on a quiet Thursday morning, the garden's serene atmosphere was disrupted by an act of destruction.
Anonymous individuals recently targeted The Prime Ministers Avenue and did severe damage to the property.
The Prime Ministers Avenue had busts of Australia's previous Prime Ministers and leaders. Image Credit: Facebook/City of Ballarat
The busts of former Labor leaders Paul Keating and Kevin Rudd were decapitated.
Meanwhile, nameplates of over 20 bronze statues were obscured with spray paint.
According to Ballarat Senior Sergeant Brad Hall, the total damage reached about $140,000.
'Most of the busts had red crosses painted on them; there was another commentary around "The Commonwealth will fall" and other political rhetoric,' Sgt Hall added.
The City of Ballarat expressed their sentiments about the incident online.
'The City of Ballarat strongly condemns graffiti and vandalism of any kind. This type of senseless damage is completely unacceptable,' the council wrote in a statement.
'It is not only extremely costly to our ratepayers and will divert money away from critical Council services, but it detracts from Ballarat as a city.'
Mark Schultz, the chair of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation, echoed the council's sentiments.
'We hope the vandals are identified and charged and appropriately dealt with by the law,' Mr Schultz said.
The busts are now covered and surrounded by temporary fencing.
The Victoria Police have already started investigations into the incident
The council also urged community members to assist in the investigation.
'If anyone has any information in relation to this, we'd encourage them to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,' the council ended their statement.
This incident should be a reminder that while Australians celebrate the nation's achievements, they should also protect the country's historic symbols and everyone's shared history.
The vandalism was more than just an attack on inanimate objects; it was an affront to the collective memory and respect Aussies hold for those who led the country.
