Police investigate vandalism at sacred HMAS Sydney Memorial II site after juveniles captured on CCTV

Geraldton police are investigating vandalism at one of the city’s most sacred sites, the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, after receiving CCTV footage of juvenile suspects. Officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said a group of juveniles spray painted the bronze figure known as the Waiting Woman at the iconic memorial last Saturday about 3.20pm. “We’ve got some footage from the City of Greater Geraldton which has captured a number of young males graffitiing the statue at the memorial,” he said. “The CCTV probably needs to be sharpened slightly; it’s not overly clear who is involved, but we are investigating and I believe we have a number of young suspects who need to be spoken to regarding it.” He said the head of the statue was vandalised. “It’s a really disappointing, disrespectful act and the community in Geraldton have a real sentimental value towards that memorial and it is often a bit of a stage piece for the town,” Sen. Sgt Martin said. “Any vandalism to that or any other public memorial is a despicable act and if it’s young juveniles involved, the parents need to have a good look at how they’re guiding their young people in this world because that kind of behaviour is unacceptable. “Juvenile crime should not be as high as it is in Geraldton. The parents need to step up and do more to prevent their kids getting into trouble and going down the wrong path.” The graffiti has already been cleaned up. The statue of the waiting woman looking out to sea symbolises all the loved ones of the 645 men who were lost on board the Sydney.