This is why we can’t have nice things! It wasn’t the notorious Dr Seuss character, but two young gentlemen who tipped the town’s Christmas tree in the Murray River last Saturday night.
The shiny beacon of Christmas joy had already delighted hundreds of people who stopped for a photo with the tremendous tree. The carnage that greeted passers-by on Sunday morning was a mangled tree that had broken in half and was lying partially submerged. The giant Christmas baubles were found as far as 5 kilometres downstream.
Residents and Koondrook CFA volunteers rescued the tree from its precarious perch and reunited it with dry land. Extensive work will now be undertaken to rectify the damaged iconic tree.
It was initially hoped that the stormy weather was responsible, but security footage had captured the culprits.
On Monday, Murray River Council announced that both Barham’s Riverside Park and Moama’s Kerrabee Soundshell Christmas installations had been vandalised.
“CCTV footage of the incidents are currently with council and police,” said the council in a statement.
“Council is very disappointed that this has taken place. Our locals and visitors now don’t get to enjoy the Christmas decorations as intended, thanks to the selfish actions of a small few.
“We appreciate the community’s patience as we work on the repairs.”
I suspect someone is getting coal in their stocking…
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 5 December 2024.
