NOVEMBER 11, 2015 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
By Benjamin Millar Police are hunting callous thieves who stole more than 100 plaques from the Footscray Memorial Garden on the eve of Remembrance Day. About 80 of the bronze memorial plaques, paid for by the families of soldiers lost in world wars I and II, were forcibly prised from their concrete settings last weekend. On Monday, a further 30 were discovered to have been stolen. Maribyrnong council works crews removed the surviving plaques and they will be stored offsite for safekeeping. Footscray RSL president Long Viet Nguyen told Star Weekly the theft was devastating for the families of the fallen soldiers, who had sacrificed their lives for Australia. “I came to take a look and see if it is true; it’s very disappointing,” he said. “It is very bad, this vandalism.” The $380,000 memorial garden, unveiled to coincide with Anzac Day in 2013, honours the memories of more than 200 Footscray area servicemen and servicewomen who died in the two world wars. At the same time, the council relocated about 200 plaques to the new garden in Footscray Park from the Geelong Road avenue of honour, where they had been laid in 1947 but had fallen into a state of neglect. Mr Nguyen said the creation of the
memorial garden had been a welcome move. “This was a good area for remembering the fallen soldiers; it was open to everyone and they could come and visit for days like Remembrance Day.” Mr Nguyen said he would talk to Maribyrnong council about the missing plaques and what could be done about their replacement, if they were not recovered. Maribyrnong council chief executive Stephen Wall said the council was dismayed by the theft. “This is a disgusting act, particularly a week before Remembrance Day. It shows no respect for our local servicemen and women, many of whom gave their lives. The community has every right to be upset over this.” Mr Wall said the council suspected the plaques were stolen to be sold as scrap metal. “The plaques are highly thought of by the community, so if anyone has any information please contact Footscray police.” Maribyrnong mayor Cameron McDonald said he was saddened by the theft and disappointed for the families involved. “It’s still fairly fresh and raw and too early to say, but I’m sure council will find a way to make amends for this.” In July, the bluestone, concrete and bronze Dolphin’s Return sculpture was stolen from Pipemakers Park.
Central West Fiesta see Page 10
(Joe Mastroianni)
Memorial plaques stolen
WILLIAMSTOWN RSL PRESIDENT BRUCE O’BRIEN
RSL gets new lease on life Williamstown RSL was told earlier this year that the only way out of crippling debt was redeveloping into a five-storey apartment complex. But, thanks to the community and member support, and a new vibrant committee, the debt has been arrested and the future looks brighter. ■ Report: page 5
1 8-2 4 H O P K I N S S T R E E T, F O OT S C R AY
LAUNCHING SOON 1, 2 & 3 B E D A PA R T M E N T S FROM $280K
–
Register now
N I C C U N I 0 4 24 5 2 3 5 3 2 Q UAYA PA RT M E N T S .C O M . AU Artist Impression