The ACT Memorial has been cordoned off after it was repeatedly vandalised in late December 2024. Photo: Supplied.
A memorial in Civic that honours the service and sacrifice of ACT residents throughout conflicts was repeatedly vandalised late last year.
Police are now seeking to identify five youths who may have been involved in the incidents.
An ACT Policing spokesperson said the large stone sphere in the centre of the ACT Memorial was dislodged from its housing on 28 December 2024 and removed from its housing on 29 December, damaging glass panels around the base.
On 30 December, the sphere was again dislodged and was pushed several metres towards the Canberra Centre.
The sphere is 1.4 metres in size, weighs 2.5 tonnes and is made from bluestone basalt.
“Damage has included surface chips and scratches to the surface of the bluestone sphere and some of surrounding glass pavers were also broken from the weight of the sphere as it was dislodged. The ACT Memorial has been securely fenced,” an ACT Government spokesperson said.
“The damage to the memorial will be assessed by specialist contractors and conservation repairs completed following this advice.
“artsACT will consult with the artist’s family about conservation works required.”
The memorial, on Ainslie Place near London Circuit, was commissioned by the ACT Government in 2006 and was designed and constructed by Canberra artist Matthew Harding, who is now deceased.
It honours all the people associated with the ACT who have served their country in war, conflict, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
“This memorial is a tribute to the service of so many people, some of whom have lost their lives,” the government says.
The memorial has two parts: a statue and a website, which contains a database of names and information about the people it honours.
Police want to identify these five boys who were seen near the ACT Memorial at around 1:50 pm on 28 December 2024. Photos: ACT Policing.
The police spokesperson said at about 1:50 pm on 28 December 2024, five boys were captured on CCTV cameras near the memorial before running away.
“Police would like to speak to the boys, or anyone who was in the area of London Circuit near the Legislative Assembly around 2 pm on Saturday, 28 December 2024, or the following two days,” they said.
If you can help police, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Quote reference number 7939320.
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Thanks Malcolm for your POV - great to hear what works for you. I am so grateful to see options… View