A statue with over 100 years of history in Walgett Memorial Park, north-west NSW, was shattered by vandals in a nighttime incident. Pieces of the "Man on the Monument" statue were discovered across the park on Thursday.
Robert Ward, Walgett RSL sub-Branch president, expressed strong disapproval of the destruction. Walgett Shire Council is collaborating with NSW Police to identify those responsible, condemning the act as an "attack on the entire Walgett community."
Vandalism Captured on CCTV
CCTV footage from the Walgett RSL sub-Branch, shared with NSW Police, shows approximately six children entering the park shortly before midnight. One individual is seen climbing the statue, rocking it, while others push it until it falls to the ground. The group subsequently fled the park.
This incident follows another act of vandalism to a fountain in the same memorial park less than a month prior. NSW Police confirmed they spoke with a group of children near the park after the event, and investigations are ongoing.
Restoration Efforts and Historical Context
Mr. Ward has consulted with a sculptor regarding the statue's restoration, estimating the cost to be between $30,000 and $40,000. The Walgett RSL sub-Branch plans to seek assistance from RSL headquarters to fund these repairs for the small community. Police have also recommended upgrading the park's fencing to prevent future vandalism.
The "Man on the Monument" statue was originally imported from France in 1922 and served as a memorial to Walgett's World War I veterans. Walgett Shire Council Mayor Jasen Ramien highlighted the statue's century-long significance to the community.
The statue has a history of damage and restoration:
- In 2021, a B-triple truck collided with the monument, dislodging the statue and causing significant damage.
- The council recovered original pieces and commissioned a new copy from Italian marble using a fibreglass mould. The new copy was installed on the memorial, while the repaired original was placed nearby in the memorial park due to its fragility.
- In 2023, the restored statue was again damaged, with its arm broken and rifle stolen.
Mayor Ramien expressed anger and heartbreak over the repeated vandalism, stating that Walgett deserves better. The council is reviewing security arrangements for the memorial park and supports the police investigation, vowing to pursue accountability and restore the memorial to honor those it represents.