The Lemnos Gallipoli Memorial at Lemnos Square in Albert Park has reportedly been vandalised with paint for a second time.
According to Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee Secretary Mr Jim Claven the vandalism occurred last week.
It was brought to the attention of the President of the Committee Mr Lee Tarlamis by a local resident, urban historian and former Mayor & Councillor Janet Bolitho with the City of Port Philip.
The damage is similar – though more extensive – to the previous graffiti vandalism which the Memorial was subject to in 2020. At that time local residents intervened to minimise the damage and alerted the Committee.
Mr Claven told Neos Kosmos that the City of Port Philip authorities have been alerted and will be taking remedial action as soon as possible.
The sculptor – Peter Corlett OAM – is willing to assist in the remedial action as he has offered in the past. Sadly Peter stated that such vandalism is not uncommon with statues and memorials.
“We have also suggested that the Council might consider enhancing security at Lemnos Square to deter any further attacks on the Memorial, such as the deployment of cameras,” said Mr Claven and Mr Tarlamis.
“The vandalism is particularly disgusting given that the vandal has chosen to interfere with one of the few statues honouring women in Melbourne and this has taken place close to the celebration of Greek Independence Day (25 March). We look forward to the restoration of our beautiful Memorial in coming days or weeks back to the condition we all love.”
