Overnight, vandals destroyed a 155-year-old monument and painted graffiti on another in Melbourne’s Flagstaff Gardens.
On Thursday morning, the Pioneer Monument appeared to have been shattered into pieces, with the words “Death to Australia” graffitied at its base.
The inscription on the Pioneer Monument states that the monument was “erected in 1871 as a memorial to the early settlers of this colony who were buried near this location.” (Provided by: City of Melbourne)
According to the City of Melbourne website, the Pioneer Monument was created by Samuel Craven and erected in 1871.
Its inscription reads, “Erected in 1871 as a memorial to the early settlers of this colony, who were buried near this place.”
There was also graffiti on the secession monument that read “Give us back the land,” but it was left in place.
The council said the Separation Monument was created in 1950 and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Victorian Government’s proclamation.
Both monuments are located at Flagstaff Gardens in West Melbourne, on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD.
The graffiti also included a red triangle painted on the monument.
Police confirmed they were investigating and said they believed the vandalism occurred between 10pm on Wednesday and 6am on Thursday.
They said it appears machinery was used to pull down the Pioneer Monument.
Melbourne Mayor Nick Rees said the city council was also involved in the investigation.
“Defacement or damage to City of Melbourne property is unacceptable and unacceptable,” he said in a statement.
“We are taking proactive steps to deter damage to the statue with additional security, in addition to the additional measures already in place.
“There are many different opinions about statues and monuments, but every time a monument is damaged, ratepayers are ultimately responsible for the damages, and this is unacceptable.
“While we can debate the future of our statues and monuments, we will never condone or retaliate against vandalism.”
The Separation Monument commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Victorian Government Proclamation. (Supplied)
He said Melbourne was a city of “many cultures and perspectives” and called on residents to show empathy and respect for each other.
In the run-up to Australia Day on January 26, vandalism and vandalism of statues and monuments associated with colonialism have become commonplace.