'Disgraceful': Two women charged over RSL graffiti on Anzac Day
Updated . First published
Multiple RSL sub-branches have been vandalised in Melbourne on Anzac Day.
Two women, aged 20 and 22, have been charged by police after allegedly being caught spray painting a wall at Heidelberg RSL.
Members allegedly spotted the vandalism going on at 1.45am.
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One community member pays her respects at the Reservoir RSL sub-branch this morning. Credit: RSL Reservoir Facebook Supplied
The pair ran but were chased on foot by police.
They have both been charged with criminal damage, mark graffiti on property without consent and possess graffiti implement to mark graffiti.
They have been bailed to appear before Heidelberg Magistrates' Court on May 19.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines called the vandalism "disgraceful and cowardly".
Police say they believe two other acts of vandalism are also linked.
The Reservoir RSL sub-branch building was also targeted with graffiti overnight, "containing anti-veteran, anti-Australian Defence Force and deeply offensive slurs". 9News
The Reservoir RSL sub-branch building was also targeted with graffiti overnight, "containing anti-veteran, anti-Australian Defence Force and deeply offensive slurs".
Veteran Geoff Cagney told 9News it made him feel sad.
"People don't respect the effort people put in going overseas to give them the life they have today," he said.
A spokesperson for the sub-branch called the attack "disgraceful" but praised the veterans, serving members and families who came together in support and condemnation.
Two women, aged 20 and 22, have been charged by police after allegedly being caught spray painting a wall at Heidelberg RSL. Nine
"Sometime overnight, offenders targeted our building with hateful graffiti containing anti-veteran, anti-Australian Defence Force and deeply offensive slurs," the statement said.
"These messages were sprayed across multiple external walls of our club on one of the most sacred and significant days in our national calendar.
"To deliberately target a veterans' organisation on Anzac Day is disgraceful. It was clearly intended to cause hurt, division and distress to veterans, serving members, their families, and the broader community who gather each year to honour sacrifice and service.
"Despite this hateful act, the offenders failed in their objective.
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The Fawkner RSL Memorial stone was also vandalised, that branch said. 9News
"Following the service, many attendees and members were unfortunately exposed to the graffiti while attending our traditional Gunfire Breakfast.
"While upsetting, the overwhelming response from the public was one of unity, support and condemnation of those responsible. Today, as always, Reservoir stood together."
The Fawkner RSL Memorial stone was also vandalised, that branch said.
The attack was captured on CCTV.
Two figures emerged around 1.30am and sprayed the RSL's Anzac memorial, filming their efforts, before they left.
The community has come together to cover up the offensive graffiti quickly Nine
Manager Marc Nunn labelled the behaviour as "pretty poor and very un-Australian".
Locals have pledges to help restore it, the sub-branch said in a statement.
"The paint will be removed our memorial will be restored to honour the glory of our fallen," they said.
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