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Monday 31 January 2005, Media Release

MEMORIAL VANDALISM SICKENING

The vandals who have wrecked the Inverell memorial commemorating the Myall Creek Massacre have committed a sick disgraceful act.

It's hard to fully express the outrage news of the vandalism will have caused across the country. I'm sure I speak for every member of the land council network in New South Wales, and beyond, in expressing my utter disgust and condemnation at the desecration of the memorial.

Police have reported deep gouges have been scratched into the plaques along the memorial walk which was built as a symbol of reconciliation in 2003 to honour the memory of the 28 Aboriginal men, women and children massacred by convict stockmen in 1838.

Local police report the words "murder" "women" and "children" had been hammered out of one plaque, leaving it unreadable.

This suggests this was not a random act of violence against the memory of those massacred at Myall Creek.

It would appear to be a cold, calculated attack on a memorial of significance to all Australians committed to reconciliation.

Unfortunately it's a chilling reminder of how far some people in this country have got to go before they can reconcile themselves to our brutal history.

I'd urge anyone with any information about this senseless act to come forward and assist police with their investigation.

NSWALC will also consider any request on behalf of all local Aboriginal land councils to provide any assistance required in the repair and restoration of the memorial.

Murray Chapman
Administrator, NSWALC
January 31, 2005