In the small community of Cheshunt, Victoria, where the population is barely over 200 and everyone knows one another, an incident over the past weekend has left locals in shock. A sacred site at Paradise Falls, situated in the Alpine National Park, was discovered defaced by graffiti, the origins of which remain a mystery.
The vandalism consists of tags, spanning nearly two metres in height and several metres wide, emblazoned across a pristine rock face. The unsightly marks were first brought to light on social media, inciting a mixture of disbelief and outrage amongst residents. One local, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed their horror by noting that many were initially hoping it would turn out to be just an elaborate prank or a digitally manipulated image.
Paradise Falls, approximately three and a half hours from Melbourne, is not only noted for its stunning natural beauty but is also regarded as a sacred women’s site by the Bangerang People. This area holds deep cultural significance, as it lies within Bangerang Country, which stretches across parts of north-east Victoria and southern New South Wales, encompassing multiple clan groups.
The local community has voiced their disapproval of the vandalism, with a Facebook page dedicated to Bangerang heritage condemning the act as “thoughtless” and “disrespectful”. Residents suspect that those responsible for the defacement chose to carry out their actions under the cover of darkness, as the popular tourist site is usually bustling with visitors, especially on weekends.
A Cheshunt local remarked that the act likely required a degree of planning, as it would have taken multiple cans of paint to cover such an expansive area. They further suggested it was unlikely the act was spontaneous, given the sheer scale of the graffiti.
Community members expressed hope that the spray paint can be effectively removed without causing damage to the ancient rock beneath it. Parks Victoria has reportedly acknowledged the vandalism and is being contacted for further comments regarding the situation.
As residents come to terms with the defacement of a culturally important site, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness and respect for indigenous sites and heritage throughout Australia.