Community
11 July, 2024
Footage sought after memorial damage
THE Mortlake War Memorial was damaged last week after a truck is believed to have undercut a corner to incorrectly use Jamieson Avenue.
Members of the community took to social media to voice their disappointment with the damage, which was believed to have occurred overnight last Wednesday.
A heavy vehicle appears to have been turning left from Shaw Street at the roundabout on to Jamieson Avenue, undercutting the corner and clipping the concrete and metal barrier which surrounds the memorial.
Mortlake Police Sergeant Matthew Laxton said Moyne Shire Council had been quick to collect footage of the incident from Mt Shadwell Hotel, however it did not reveal identifiable information such as license plate or company name.
“The vehicle appears to be a B-Double hay truck,” he said.
“It appears to have gone down Jamieson Avenue, which is not supposed to be a truck route, so the belief is the driver has missed a turn and then tried to do an incorrect turn at the roundabout which resulted in undercutting the corner – it is entirely possible the driver did not know the damage had occurred.
“It has happened before, with the memorial sustaining damage a few years ago, but not to this extent.
“If anyone does have information which could help police identify the driver, such as dashcam footage or CCTV footage, they are encouraged to contact Mortlake Police on 5599 2501 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
A Moyne Shire Council spokesperson said council is currently working through insurance processes and will work with the Mortlake Returned and Services League sub-branch on repairs, with no timeline for repairs as of yet.
The memorial was dedicated in 1922, memorialising those from the then-Shire of Mortlake who died in service during World War One, and lists the names of the fallen and returned.
After World War Two, the names of the fallen in that conflict were added to the memorial.
A plaque was added at a later date to commemorate those who served in World War Two and later conflicts.