08/08/2026
This week several memorials at the Unley Soldiers Memorial Gardens were vandalised and brass plaques stolen.
This vandalism and theft from war memorials is a deeply disrespectful act against our veterans, their families and the entire Unley community.
The gardens land was purchased by a group of local ladies in 1917, who fundraised through fetes, volunteering and many years of hard work.
These ladies kept fundraising and in 1924 erected an honour roll to list all the names of the 1,189 men and 16 nurses from Unley who served in the war.
They later raised enough money to unveil a Cenotaph memorial, dedicated to the husbands, sons and daughters who died in War.
For 105 years, these memorials have stood as a reminder of the sacrifice made by generations of Australians.
Whilst several memorials across our gardens have been targeted, the most important is our Cenotaph which is the representation of a grave. It is where we stand guard on Anzac Day.
The theft of these Cenotaph plaques is far more serious than stealing pieces of brass or an act of ordinary vandalism. It is, in a very real sense, the robbing of a memorial grave.
And it is heartbreaking to us.
These memorials carry names, memories and stories of service and sacrifice. They belong to the whole community and, most importantly, they represent people who gave everything for their country.
For one person to take them for their own gain is selfish and cowardly.
We are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity around the Soldiers Memorial Gardens this week, or who has any information about the theft or damage, to come forward and contact South Australia Police.
We also appeal directly to whoever has taken the plaques: please return them. Their value is not in the brass. Their value is in the names and the history they represent.
The Unley RSL sub-branch will work with our council, authorities and the community to ensure these memorials are restored. We will not allow an act of vandalism to diminish the respect and gratitude our community holds for our veterans and their families.
Pieter Haverhoek
President, Unley RSL sub-branch
