¶ DESECRATION of a memorial to fallen mine workers in Phoenix Park has provoked a wave of community anger.
The park’s memorial wall and arch were defaced by vandals during a string of graffiti attacks on Monday night, with the Collie Community Radio station building also targeted.
Collie Shire president Ian Miffling said it is “shocking” vandals would destroy the hard work of many.
“I’m absolutely flabbergasted that there could be such lowlifes in the community that would come and destroy beautiful property like this, particularly as it is a memorial to the fallen mine workers,” Cr Miffling said.
“For lowlifes to not even have a consideration towards the purpose of this structure is so disappointing, it’s so disgusting.
“They’re obviously devoid of any brains. They’re obviously devoid of any sentiment. They’re obviously devoid of any respect.”
Cr Miffling said he hopes the perpetrators are caught and dealt with harshly.
“In old times there used to be a dunce’s hat,” he said.
“That would be appropriate here - a big dunce’s hat to signify that they’re idiots and for them to clean up the graffiti.”
Collie Retired Miners' Association president Ron Guilfoyle and association members gathered to view the damage on Tuesday.
Mr Guilfoyle said the monument is “sacred” to the organisation.
“It’s terrible, this is mind boggling,” he said.
“Obviously, they don’t care. I hope we do find out who they are and I hope they realise what they’ve done.
“If they do catch them, they should be doing community work and down here trying to clean it up for us.”
Collie Community Radio vice chairman John Russell said he was angered upon discovering a station building wall graffitied on Tuesday morning.
“I never thought it would happen here,” Mr Russell said.
Mr Russell and Mr Guilfoyle confirmed police have been contacted.