At 1.30am on Friday, July 24, 2026, a thief vandalised a bronze sculpture which had only recently been installed outside the Clayton RSL. The sculpture depicted a slouch hat, resting on a rifle, above a pair of military boots. All that remains are the pair of boots. It was valued at $18,000. The sculpture was to have been officially unveiled the next day, in conjunction with the launch of a book on the history of the Clayton RSL.
The sculpture at the Clayton RSL, before it was vandalised
Image: Michael Newbond's Facebook post of July 24, 2026
The President of the Clayton RSL, Michael Newbond, expressed the club's feelings in a Facebook post -
Today is a deeply disappointing day for our community and Clayton RSL in particular. Only days before we are to unveil a statue honouring our past defence personnel, this morning we were confronted with an act of senseless vandalism. The majority of the statue has been broken off and stolen.
This memorial was intended as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our service men and women, a place for reflection and gratitude. To see it desecrated like this is both heart breaking and infuriating. Despite this setback we will try to restore the statue so that it can eventually stand as it was intended - a proud and enduring symbol of remembrance. We are working with authorities and ask anyone with information to come forward and help ensure that those who served our nation are treated with the respect they so richly deserve.
The remains of the bronze sculpture
Image: Michael Newbond's Facebook post of July 24, 2026
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward by contacting Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000
Sources:Michael Newbond Facebook post of July 24, 2026.
Community Pete Facebook post of July 28, 2026.
Nancekivell, Lewis Vandal off with Digger's Tribute in the Herald Sun, July 29, 2026. p.14.
Nancekivell, Lewis Vandal off with Digger's Tribute in the Herald Sun, July 29, 2026. p.14.
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