OUTRAGED community leaders have condemned a graffiti attack on Ballarat’s newly refurbished Arch of Victory as being like vandalising war graves.Expletives were discovered late yesterday halfway up the city’s symbol of courage, less than two months after its grand reopening.Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee president Bruce Price said it was the first time vandals had attacked the war memorial in its 91-year history.“We’ve had vandals damage lights in the precinct but no one has done anything like this before,” Mr Price said.“I’m absolutely flabbergasted that this could happen, it’s certainly a shock.”Mr Price said attacking the arch was like desecrating war graves.Mayor Mark Harris called it an act of grave disrespect.“You just have to be saddened by it,” he said.“I haven’t got the space to even contemplate it.”Governor-General Quentin Bryce officially reopened the grand monument last month following an $810,000 restoration.Ms Bryce said the Arch of Victory and adjacent Avenue of Honour were powerful reminders of the sacrifice of countless men and women.“This Arch of Victory stands as a lasting memorial to all those who fought for our freedom during the last century,” she said.“It stands for future generations of young people as a symbol of inspiration and courage.”Police said they would investigate following a report from the council.
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