NSW: Digger slurs 'galvanised' local community: RSL

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2007
NSW: Digger slurs 'galvanised' local community: RSL

The local RSL says anti-war slogans painted on a war memorial .. labelling diggers
murderers .. have galvanised the central New South Wales community of Bathurst.

Peace signs and the slogan were spray-painted on the Carillon war memorial just before
midnight .. only hours before the dawn service was due to begin.

But Bathurst RSL honorary secretary JIM MCFERRAN says the community effort to clean
up the graffiti has turned a negative into a positive.

He says there were more than 40 people .. including RSL members .. army .. council
workers .. volunteer firefighters and some young men on their way home from a pub.

Mr MCFERRAN says he hopes to get those responsible down to the local RSL .. to talk
to some of the older veterans.







Police arrested five teenage girls nearby .. allegedly still covered in paint .. after
receiving calls about the graffiti.

A 16-year-old was charged with maliciously damaging a shrine and police property ..

while the other four .. all aged 15 .. will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

AAP RTV cj/rt/bart

KEYWORD: ANZAC VANDAL (SYDNEY)

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