Vandalism Targets Monuments in Victoria

In Victoria, Australia, a spate of vandalism leading up to Australia Day has seen several significant monuments damaged. In Melbourne, a memorial for John Batman, a key founder of the city, was sawed in half and toppled, with graffiti featuring anti-colonial messages. In the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the heads of statues of former prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Paul Keating were severed and stolen, and 18 other busts were vandalized with spray paint. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and searching for suspects, urging public cooperation to identify the perpetrators. The attacks have been condemned by local officials and community leaders, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of these sites. The damage is expected to be costly and has sparked outrage over the loss of heritage.