By REBECCA BILLS
A SECOND assault on the Mount Evelyn RSL Community Memorial Garden in five months has left RSL members outraged.
Three specially cultivated Returned and Services League rose bushes were stolen last week – just days before the 2014 Anzac Day Dawn service.
Mount Evelyn RSL president Roger Boness described the attack as a desecration of a community memorial garden.
“When the Shire of Yarra Ranges and Memorial Gardener Aaron Roberts called me to tell me the news he was devastated and I was bitterly disappointed,” he said.
Just before Remembrance Day last year, the Mail reported that all six bushes had been stolen and Mr Boness said that those who were responsible were disrespectful.
“I’m not sure if it is the same people or person offending but at last year’s Remembrance Day service a lady gave me a letter in which she spoke about our stolen roses and that she had a huge rose display at her house that was stolen as well,” he said.
“So it’s not just us, I suspect there is someone going around.
“My message to the culprits is for goodness sake leave the community assets alone because it is not just time and effort, it’s expensive as well.”
Mr Boness said the Shire of Yarra Ranges has again had to foot the bill as a result of the thefts which is estimated to be around $15 a bush.
The sales of the regal burgundy and soft amber rose bushes helps the RSL to promote and sustain service to veterans and their families across the nation.
“If anyone in the community has got any information at all, could you kindly bring it forward as we will report it to the police – no ifs or buts about it,” he said.
“It is disappointing and as I say, I don’t know what the person or persons are thinking as it is one thing to take a cutting, but to come and dig the whole plant up and take off with them is just not on.”
