By Trica Mifsud
Families have been left heartbroken after the Wallan Cemetery was allegedly targeted by vandals.
Photos of the damage were posted by Ashleigh Laffan on social media on May 24, who was distressed by what she discovered while visiting her mother’s grave.
The original post received over 100 comments, as locals expressed their anger over the damage, which included flowers, sentimental ornaments and bottles and other items thrown across the cemetery.
“Some [of the items were] smashed into pieces close by and up the back in the big trees. Plants were pulled out of their pots, locked boxes were opened and some crosses pulled out of the ground,” she said.
“One old grave stone had been knocked over and the top marble broken into pieces.”
Ms Laffan contacted police immediately and officers attended the cemetery at about 12:30pm, which she said was within 20 minutes of making the report.
After viewing the posts, the North Central Review contacted the Wallan Cemetery Trust last Tuesday, requesting comments on the vandalism. However, Secretary Kerry Page had a different opinion on what caused the damage.
“Any damage resulted from wind and weather conditions,” she said.
“The items damaged were lightweight and unsecured, so they could easily be damaged in such conditions.”
The North Central Review, with permission from Ms Page, posted the update on Facebook, with residents angered by the response.
“I went and had a look, and something doesn’t seem right. How do gravestones get pushed over?” one user wrote.
“I’m very sorry, but it was far from the wind that caused an iron bar from the front of the cemetery to be up the back near graves and everything smashed off graves,” another wrote.
Ms Laffan reiterated the thoughts of the community, also believing the damage could not have been caused by the wind.
“Things were placed in spots that wouldn’t have been caused by the wind. Some flowers were still in place and if the wind caused as much damage as I had seen, I’m sure the artificial flowers wouldn’t still be standing upright,” she said.
“I had a ziplock bag at my mum’s grave and the top zip part had been ripped off and items inside thrown around the wind couldn’t do that.
“Also a large iron bar from an older grave near the entrance was up the top right of the cemetery. The fallen tombstone could possibly have been wind however it was a bit coincidental that it was at the same time.”
A follow up with the Wallan Cemetery Trust saw confirmation of its original stance, saying “we have no proof of vandalism”.
Ms Page said nobody saw any vandals enter, remain at, or leave the cemetery, but it was now in police hands to handle the investigation.
“There were a few broken glasses, and our suggestion is, and has been, that people do not bring in any glass containers or other breakables,” she said.
“There is just no proof that it was actually someone [who caused the damage].”
Ms Laffan suggested that cameras be installed at the cemetery – another suggestion echoed by the community.
“It’s very frustrating when the cemetery trust doesn’t want to look at getting cameras, but I’m sure if a GoFundMe was to be opened we would be able to raise enough money for cameras,” she said.
“The damage now is much more than when I saw it on Saturday. My mum’s grave is still okay at this stage but other family members are not okay… absolutely everything on their graves have been destroyed.”
Ms Page said “cameras would be a possibility” but it came down to financing them, which was something the trust wasn’t in the position to afford.
Ms Laffan had this message for the alleged vandals.
“It’s distressing that we have unfortunately lost our loved ones, whom we wish we never had to lose,” she said.
“It is their final resting place where families gather to feel close to their loved ones, leaving sentimental items that are irreplaceable, and that is the most heartbreaking aspect.
“A cemetery isn’t a place to vandalise; it has shown that these individuals have absolutely no respect for anyone in the Wallan community. Just leave the place alone.”
Police have confirmed the investigation is ongoing and there are no further updates.
