Reservoir RSL makes a statement

Sometime overnight, offenders targeted our building with hateful graffiti containing anti-veteran, anti-Australian Defence Force and deeply offensive slurs. 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.

 

Our Dawn Service proceeded with a strong turnout from the Reservoir community, who stood together in dignity, respect and remembrance. Our Cenotaph, the heart of our commemorations, remained untouched, and the spirit of ANZAC Day could not be diminished.

 

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.

 

Reservoir RSL Sub-Branch extends sincere thanks to Victoria Police, including attending police and Protective Services Officers, for their swift response and actions in apprehending offenders. We also thank Nathan Lambert MP, Darebin City Council, and a special thank you Calcorp Services on behalf of council, who generously gave up their day off to provide immediate relief and commence urgent graffiti removal works on ANZAC Day itself.

 

This Sub-Branch has served the Reservoir community for generations. We will not be intimidated by cowardice, hatred or ignorance.

 

Those who commit such acts should remember they enjoy the freedoms of this country because generations of Australian service men and women answered the call to serve, often at great personal cost.

 

Today, as always, Reservoir stood together.