18-07-2025
Two men arrested for vandalism of significant Taungurung site
Two men have been arrested for vandalising a culturally significant site in Victoria's Alpine National Park. The rockface at Paradise Falls on Taungurung Country was found damaged in May.
"The rockface, at the base of the falls, has been spray-painted with graffiti. The damage was approximately 10 metres wide and two metres high," Victorian Police said.
On Wednesday, a 24-year-old man from Rosebud was charged with criminal damage and breaching Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Laws. He was bailed to face Wangaratta Magistrates' Court in late September. A 25-year-old Hastings man was also arrested and had his home searched. Victorian police said he will be charged "at a later date with the same offences". The Tarungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) issued a statement saying they'll work with Parks Victoria to remove the graffiti in a process that would focus on cultural sensitivity, healing and engagement with the Taungurung community. "TLaWC continues to work with Victoria Police and First Peoples State Relations during this investigation," they said.
The organisation said it wouldn't be commenting further, instead focusing on "healing Country and supporting community".
