THE damaged stone digger at Ebbw Vale War Memorial is expected to be removed this week for restoration after Ipswich councillors spoke of the distress caused by the vandalism of one of the city’s places of remembrance.
Ipswich City Council agreed during last week’s Ordinary Meeting that the soldier should be removed in line with advice from CEO Sonia Cooper, repaired, reinstalled and rededicated before Anzac Day 2027.
Ms Cooper told councillors a contractor was ready to remove the soldier as early as next week, subject to Council’s decision.
“If this set of recommendations is determined by Council today, then the company that would be doing the repair of the vandalised soldier would come and immediately remove the soldier,” Ms Cooper said.
Cr Marnie Doyle said the vandalism had deeply affected the community.
“This one has hit hard for many in our community, I would say almost all of our community,” she said.
“We have absolutely been outraged at this senseless act of vandalism.”
The meeting heard the memorial had previously been targeted in 2006, when the original stone soldier was significantly damaged and subsequently replaced.
Cr Antoniolli said the original soldier was now in the care of the Bundamba Salvation Army, while the replacement soldier was formally rededicated at the memorial.
Council officers had also consulted RSL representatives about the latest damage with Moreton District RSL committee chair Paul Rogers indicating a preference for repairing the existing soldier rather than replacing it.
Mayor Teresa Harding described the vandalism as an “abomination” and said war memorials held a special place in Ipswich.
