The City of Hobart has discovered that up to 19 brass plaques have been stolen from the Soldiers Memorial Avenue on the Queens Domain. It appears they were forcibly removed.
We are appalled at the theft of these plaques and have reported this matter to Tasmania Police and will be working closely with them.
Soldiers Memorial Avenue is a significant heritage site, with over 530 trees planted to honour Tasmanian soldiers who died in World War I. Each tree is marked with a plaque bearing the name of a fallen soldier, making this a deeply meaningful place for many in our community.
We urge anyone with information about this crime to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Quotes to be attributed to Friends of Soldiers Memorial Avenue President John Wadsley:
"The Friends Group has been actively involved in restoring this avenue for the last 24 years.
"We are appalled that anyone would consider stealing, removing, destroying these memorial parks.
"They represent the loss that families in Hobart suffered and the love that they had for someone who died on the other side of the world.
"These plaques may hold little monetary value, but to the families of the fallen soldiers, they are priceless.
"This should never happen and must not be allowed to happen again."
