By Mitchell Clarke
Rotary Club of Pakenham members were left devastated after more than 100 planted trees were vandalised, as tree guards and stakes were ripped from the ground.
More than a dozen saplings were fully destroyed and almost 100 more needed to be replanted, after a group of young men are believed to have deliberately targeted a planting area in Rotary Park.
Rotarian George Blenkhorn claims a witness saw three boys pulling off tree covers and throwing stakes around on Wednesday afternoon, 12 August.
“I just can’t understand it,” Mr Blenkhorn said.
“It’s pure destructive and I can’t see what benefit, fun or excitement there is in doing something like this. I don’t know, it’s hard to understand.”
A group of Rotary volunteers joined council contractors in planting Australian native trees in the Toomuc Creek area in July, as part of an ongoing Rotary initiative.
“When you put your time into something, it’s really quite disappointing for this to happen,” Mr Blenkhorn added.
“I can’t see how it’s stimulating or exciting in any way. Really, it’s just plain vandalism.”
Fellow Rotarian Ian Wake said the club had been planting trees for many years, and although tree covers had been removed in the past, he said the damage was never to this extent.
“I wouldn’t think we’d be targeted deliberately,” he said.
“I think it’s probably just a matter of teenagers not having enough to do. A lot of teenagers hang around this area riding their bikes.
“It’d be nice for those responsible to come back and fix up all the damage they’ve caused.”
Thankfully, some of the saplings could be salvaged by two dedicated Rotarians who cleaned up the mess on Friday morning.
Cardinia Shire Council was notified of the incident and has urged anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers.
“It is always disappointing to see the senseless destruction of any trees,” Operations Manager Ben Wood said.
In the meantime, Mr Blenkhorn plans to plant a further 1000 trees across the shire as part of the council’s beautification grants.
“The trees will benefit the community, it’s helping with the environment, and it’s just about trying to enhance the visuals,” he said.
