Damaged in a recent attack by graffiti vandals, a tribute mural on the front wall of the Vietnam Veterans Federation Hall, will be repaired with a State Government grant.
The mural image of HMAS Sydney, known colloquially as the Vung Tau Ferry, was senselessly de-faced by vandals when it was graffitied in an overnight attack late last month.
When made aware of the attack Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Martin Hamilton-Smith immediately agreed to fund the mural repair, anticipated to cost up to $1000.
Background
The external walls of the hall in Warradale were professionally painted in scenes that depict Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War and are a fitting commemoration of service by South Australian men and women.
Penalties for marking graffiti, or carrying a graffiti implement with the intention of using it to mark graffiti, have recently doubled to $5000 or up to 12 months imprisonment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
It is sad, to say the least, that inconsiderate individuals, clearly with no respect for those who have worn our nation’s uniform, would vandalise a depiction of an iconic component of Australia’s contribution to a war that saw more than 61,000 servicemen and women deployed, 521 killed and more than 3000 wounded.
I am pleased to advise that repair work, undertaken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander serviceman Mr Jemahl Casper, until recently a Corporal in the Australian Regular Army, is underway and should be completed this week.
On behalf of all members I extend my sincere appreciation to all veterans and especially to those who served in the Vietnam War.
It’s worth noting that the State Government is teaming up with the Local Government Association to deliver an enhanced graffiti-reporting mobile phone app that will make it quicker and easier for the public to report graffiti and minor property damage to their local council.
The partnership will see improvements made to the My Local Services app, which was launched by the Local Government Association in February 2014. Once councils adopt the new system, users of the app can be confident that no matter where you are, if you report graffiti or minor property damage with your smart phone it will get to the right person for the right response.