Vandals have targeted a much-loved community facility, breaking into separate buildings within the Mount Gambier Showgrounds four nights in a row, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.
Separate buildings within the Pick Avenue site were broken into on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights with the damage estimated to cost over $3000 in repairs.
Mount Gambier Agricultural and Horticultural Society president Brian Kerr said the “worthless” and “thoughtless” vandalism has caused “unnecessary damage” which could impact the committee’s ability to hold this year’s Mount Gambier GEM Spring Show in October.
“As a committee, we work all year ultimately to run a show for Mount Gambier and to have the amount of damage that’s occurred to doors and windows and property is pretty devastating,” he said.
“It is just unnecessary and worthless because we do not keep money and alcohol or things like that on the grounds and it defies belief and defies logic of why anyone who want to break into a facility like that.
“We have to foot the bill for that now and that comes out of our show budget ultimately.
“We do not make huge amounts of money each year, we pay our way, we pay our power bills, our insurance and a small amount of maintanence and hopefully enough money to put on a show again the next year and this just eats into our bottom line.
“It limits our money we can put out for features and to attract features to Mount Gambier now to the Mount Gambier Show. It really tightens our budget.”
Mr Kerr said there are cameras and security alarms across the ground as well as police randomly patrolling the facility.
“Regardless of all of that, this still occurs,” he said.
Mr Kerr said the committee wanted to express its “deepest gratitude to our wonderful community for the outpouring of support, kind words, and encouragement”.
“Your presence and solidarity mean the world to us,” he said.
“Sadly, we have to report the Mount Gambier Showgrounds have been targeted again, with a new area being vandalised last night (Tuesday),” he said.
“We are devastated and heartbroken, but we refuse to let this incident break our spirit.
“As the saying goes, ‘the show must go on’, and we are more determined than ever to continue providing a vibrant community hub for everyone to enjoy. Our resilience and determination will carry us through this challenging time.
“We want to assure you that security upgrades are being implemented as we speak, and we are grateful for the expertise and support of the team from Blue Lake Security, who have been with us every step of the way.
“But we need your help. We urge everyone in our community to join us in stamping out this behaviour. We will not tolerate vandalism, destruction of property, or any other form of harm in our community. We stand together against these senseless acts and demand that those responsible be held accountable.
“Once again, we appeal to our community for any information that may help bring the perpetrators to justice. Your support and vigilance are crucial in helping us overcome this difficult period.
“Our magnificent committee and volunteers need your support more than ever. Let’s stand together and show that our community spirit cannot be broken. We live in a magnificent part of the world.
“Thank you for being an incredible community. We will get through this, together!”
Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the police.
