Vandalism at Lennox Gardens has caused deep distress to community members. Photos: Michael Rabey.
Memorial and reflection spaces across Lennox Gardens, including Canberra’s peace bell, have been covered with graffiti in a spate of vandalism that’s caused deep distress to community members.
In an attack that probably occurred on New Year’s Eve, the pagoda, Spanish and Israeli memorials, a memorial to murdered Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, and other spaces have been covered with offensive messages. Many relate to the current Gaza conflict, but others use obscenities, suggest violence towards police and that capitalism kills.
“It’s an attack on the people of Canberra and of Australia because these are important symbols,” said Michael Rabey from the Canberra Burley Griffin Rotary Club, who instigated the fundraising and creation of the bell.
The project was realised in partnership with the World Peace Bell Association and was officially launched in 2018 in Nara Park to remind the community of the importance of a peaceful world.
It is regularly used for ceremonies on the theme of peace, including an annual commemoration organised by Canberra’s Zonta Clubs for women who die in family and domestic violence incidents.
Thousands gathered at the bell after the Christchurch mosque massacre in a spontaneous gesture of solidarity for the people of Christchurch and New Zealand’s Muslim community.
“That’s what it is beginning to represent,” said Mr Rabey, who coordinated the project.
“We talk about peace between neighbours, nations and cities but also peace in your own heart.
“The graffiti attack strikes against everything this place stands for. It’s a terrible act of wanton destruction and damage to important public property. It feels like a violation.”
The graffiti attack has been reported to ACT Policing, and Mr Rabey says he is hopeful that someone with information about the damage may come forward. There are no CCTV cameras in the vicinity and Rotary Cub members say they are deeply distressed by the extent of the damage.
Several pieces of graffiti carry the letter ‘A’ with a circle and line, an internationally recognised sign of the anarchist movement.
Mr Rabey said the ACT Government has been contacted to arrange cleaning as a matter of urgency, noting that this time of year is also prime tourism season in Canberra for family visits and school holidays.
“The peace bell has been a beacon of peace and hope in our national capital. This feels like a break-in to your home and a violation, irrespective of your views on any conflict,” he said.
A spokesperson from ACT Policing said they are aware of recent acts of vandalism at memorials and other infrastructure at Lennox Gardens.
“Police remind the community that peaceful protest is part of healthy democracy however criminal acts will not be tolerated.
“Anyone with any information about the damage at Lennox Gardens is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously”, the spokesperson said.
Loading ...
