Message from the State President: Statement on Eltham cenotaph vandalism
The vandalism of the Eltham cenotaph is shameful and disrespectful to all veterans, including the many First Nations veterans who have served, and continue to serve, Australia.
While there is a community debate around Australia Day, ANZAC monuments have nothing to do with that debate.
Commemorative monuments are symbols of unity and spaces for respectful remembrance of all who have served, and they will continue to be so – for Australians of all cultural backgrounds.
RSL Victoria stands with Montmorency-Eltham RSL Sub-Branch in supporting all veterans affected by these misguided attacks.
We have been in touch with the Minister for Veterans, Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP, and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon. Tim Bull MP, who both echo our thoughts.
Minister Suleyman said, “Vandalising a veterans’ memorial is disgraceful and will not be tolerated – our veterans sacrificed everything for the freedoms we enjoy today. Victoria Police will investigate and anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers. The groups who continue to commit these crimes must face the full force of the law, enough is enough.”
Shadow Minister Bull said, “The desecration of our war memorials is sacrilegious, and we should look to work cooperatively on harsher penalties for these acts.”
Local State MP for Eltham, Vicki Ward, also made her own strong condemnation of what has happened.
To read Vicki Ward MP’s statement on this matter, please click HERE.
I also want to commend Montmorency-Eltham RSL Sub-Branch President Ash Graham’s thoughtful and considered response made via this Facebook post.
Acts like this do nothing to unite our community, but it shouldn’t stop the RSL network being inclusive and respectful of our First Nations service and striving for reconciliation.
Ash’s words are a great guide for Sub-Branches to follow.
Let’s be conscious of that as we no doubt will be faced with debate this Australia Day long weekend.
As a Federal Government-endorsed national day of celebration, RSL Sub-Branches in Victoria are welcome and encouraged to mark Australia Day.
The National Australia Day Council’s stated goal is to ‘unite all Australians through celebration and reflection’.
We encourage that word ‘unite’ to be at the forefront of your Australia Day events.
Dr Mark Schröffel
State President
RSL Victoria
