Locals angered after vandals graffiti 100-year-old war memorial

A 100-year-old war memorial remembering local men and women who fought in wars has been vandalised in the Victorian town of Beaufort. Local RSL president Donald Carnes says he is feeling hurt by the vandalism. What's next? Victoria Police says it is investigating the incident and are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. Victoria Police are investigating the vandalism of a 100-year-old war memorial in the Victorian town of Beaufort last month. Beaufort RSL president Donald Carnes said the vandals painted offensive slogans including "death to Australia", "death to the ADF", "land back" and "blood on your hands". Police said in a statement that Beaufort Memorial Park on Havelock Street was graffitied sometime between Saturday July 25 and Sunday July 26. "The paint has since been removed and an investigation is underway," Victoria Police said. The memorial was unveiled in the 1920s to honour local men and women who were involved in World War I. Locals gather at the site for Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. Whole town 'hurt' Mr Carnes said he was horrified and shocked by the vandalism. "I feel really hurt somebody would compromise something like that," he said. "A lot of the people whose names [are on the memorial] unfortunately didn't come home. "The memorial is there for their memories. "The whole town is really hurt. The memorial has sat there for over 100 years and has never been compromised in any way." 'Strongly condemn' The Pyrenees Shire Council said in a statement it was deeply saddened and disappointed by the vandalism. A spokesperson said council staff quickly removed the graffiti on Monday and are actively monitoring the site. Mayor Damien Ferrari said the memorial was sacred to the town. "The graffiti on the war memorial at Beaufort Memorial Park has deeply upset our community," Cr Ferrari said. "This site stands as place of remembrance, respect and reflection, and the damage caused does not reflect the values of the shire. "We strongly condemn this act and will work to restore the memorial as quickly as possible." 'Shameful' Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the incident was "shameful". "So many from Beaufort gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today," Ms Haylett said in a statement. "Defacing the place we honour them is a disgrace. "Acts like this have no place in our community. I want to thank the council for their quick response in getting the graffiti cleaned up." ABC Ballarat — local news in your inbox Get our local newsletter, delivered free each Wednesday