Outrage in Walgett as Vandals Destroy 100-Year-Old War Memorial Statue in Brazen Late-Night Attack
- Century-old Man on the Monument statue shattered in Walgett Memorial Park
- CCTV footage shows group of young people pushing statue until it topples and shatters
- Local council and RSL sub-Branch consider restoration options, with cost estimated at $30,000 to $40,000
The town of Walgett in north-west NSW is reeling after a senseless act of vandalism saw a 100-year-old war memorial statue destroyed in a late-night attack. The Man on the Monument statue, which has stood proudly in Walgett Memorial Park since 1922, was pushed to the ground and shattered into pieces by a group of young people.
The brazen attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, has left the local community outraged and heartbroken. Walgett RSL sub-Branch president Robert Ward described the destruction as an “attack on the entire Walgett community”.
CCTV footage obtained by the Walgett RSL sub-Branch shows a group of six children, of varying ages, entering the memorial park shortly before midnight. One of the children climbs the statue, rocking it back and forth, while the others push it until it topples to the ground. The group then flees the scene, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Walgett Shire Council has condemned the destruction of the statue, stating that it is an “attack on the entire Walgett community”. The council is working with NSW Police to identify those responsible for the vandalism and is reviewing security arrangements for the memorial park.
This is not the first time the statue has been damaged. In 2021, a B-triple truck crashed into the monument, knocking the man off his pedestal and causing significant damage. The statue was restored and reinstalled, only to be damaged again in 2025.
The destruction of the statue has significant implications for the community, particularly for the veterans and their families who are honored by the memorial. Walgett Shire Council Mayor Jasen Ramien said that the statue “watched as local men and women answered the call of service across generations” and that its destruction is a “disrespect to those who have served”.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The destruction of the war memorial statue in Walgett is not just an act of senseless vandalism, but a symptom of a broader problem in Australian society. It highlights a lack of respect for authority, a lack of understanding of history, and a lack of empathy for those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
Security analysts say that the incident also raises concerns about the security of public spaces and the need for increased surveillance and policing. The fact that a group of young people felt emboldened to commit such a brazen act of vandalism in a public park is a worrying sign for community safety.
Industry observers believe that the incident also highlights the need for increased education and awareness about the importance of preserving our history and honoring those who have served. It is only by teaching our children about the sacrifices of the past that we can ensure that they respect and appreciate the present.
In the aftermath of this senseless act of vandalism, the people of Walgett are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild. But it is not just the physical statue that needs to be restored, it is also the sense of community and respect that has been lost. As Walgett Shire Council Mayor Jasen Ramien said, “We will pursue accountability, we will restore what we can, and we will stand united in respect for those whose names and service this memorial was built to honour.”