By Afraa Kori
Families and children who frequent Gembrook Leisure Park are outraged and disappointed after the facility was targeted by vandals.
Emerald police confirmed they are investigating criminal damage to a toilet block in Gembrook on Tuesday, 25 February.
It is understood unknown offender/s attended the leisure park on Beenak East Road at an unknown time.
Investigators were told they graffitied the cubicle and damaged walls, and the investigation remains ongoing.
This has disproportionately affected parents like Karen Geoffrey who use the park and skate park every week as it’s close by.
“I’m disappointed and frustrated that we can’t seem to have nice facilities in the local community that don’t get vandalised and looked after,” she said.
“It’s such a shame the facilities are constantly being destroyed. It’s a shame what’s happening to the toilets as my children cannot use them when in a state like this so we either have to leave to go home or don’t go at all.”
“These toilets aren’t cleaned enough on a regular basis and aren’t suitable for a children’s playground. Then to have them vandalised so we can’t use them at all is very frustrating for not just my family but all of the local families in the area.”
Karen used to run the Gembrook playgroup, where she witnessed not only vandalism, but also more disturbing issues.
“There were items being vandalised outdoors around the back of the Gembrook community centre too including drug paraphernalia and alcoholic cans etc.”
“Wasn’t pleasant having to clean it up before the young children would arrive to use the space outside.”
“Now it’s progressively getting worse and more frequent. Along with graffiti and smashed glass in play areas/ playgrounds. It’s not as safe as it was a few years ago.”
Former plumber and long time resident, Chris Jones is urging all community members to take pride in their hometown and look out for one another.
“I have personally rectified several of these disgusting finds, without fanfare,” he said.
“If anything, the expense of sending out a plumber, the cost to ratepayers and the bad public image that the tourists see.”
“We are a tourist destination town, I will and do often pick up discarded rubbish in town and dispose of it. I volunteer in the community and I really enjoy the local community vibe.”
“Let’s all get together to stamp out this kind of bad behaviour and love our family community that we still have and exists in the hills of Gembrook!”
General Manager Community and Planning Services Debbie Tyson said Cardinia Shire Council responded promptly and proactively upon receiving notification of graffiti and vandalism inside the toilet block at Gembrook Leisure Park on Tuesday 25 February.
“Maintenance officers attended the site the same day to complete an initial inspection. Maintenance officers returned the following day to remove all graffiti, debris and repair damaged walls, completing the repair works by Thursday 27 February.”
“Council works closely with several agencies to take a collaborative approach towards addressing safety in the Shire. The safety of our community is very important to the Council. It is everyone’s responsibility, and we encourage community members to always report offences to Victoria Police. The matter has been reported to Victoria Police.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
