Women charged over RSL graffiti on Anzac Day

Several RSL branches were vandalized in Melbourne on Anzac Day.

Two women, aged 20 and 22, have been charged by police after they were allegedly caught spray-painting a wall at Heidelberg RSL.

Members are said to have noticed the vandalism at 1.45am

The pair fled, but were chased on foot by police.

They have both been charged with criminal damage, applying graffiti to property without consent and possessing a graffiti instrument to mark graffiti.

They have been released on bail to appear in the Heidelberg District Court on May 19.

Police say they believe two other forms of vandalism are related.

The Reservoir RSL subdivision building in was also targeted with graffiti overnight, “featuring anti-veteran, anti-Australian Defense Force and deeply offensive comments”.

A spokesperson for the subdivision called the attack “disgraceful” but praised the veterans, serving members and families who came together in support and condemnation.

“Sometime overnight, perpetrators targeted our building with hateful graffiti featuring anti-veterans, anti-Australian Defense Forces and deeply offensive comments,” the statement said.

“These messages were spread across multiple exterior walls of our club on one of the most sacred and important days on our national calendar.

“It is shameful to deliberately target a veterans organization on ANZAC Day. It was clearly intended to cause pain, division and suffering among veterans, serving members, their families and the wider community that comes together every year to honor sacrifice and service.

“Despite this hateful act, the perpetrators did not succeed in their aim.

“After the service, many attendees and members were unfortunately exposed to the graffiti while attending our traditional Gunfire Breakfast. Although disturbing, the overwhelming response from the public was one of unity, support and condemnation of those responsible.

“Today Reservoir, as always, stood together.”

The Fawkner RSL Memorial stone was also vandalized, that branch said.

Locals have made pledges to help restore it, the subdivision said in a statement.

“The paint will be removed, our monument will be restored to honor the glory of our fallen,” they said.