A MOUNT Gambier man has issued a plea for senseless vandalism to stop following the removal of a memorial plaque from a Cave Garden park bench, which honoured a close friend.
Robert Harris said the metal plaque honouring the late Peter Minic – which only carries sentimental value – will be replaced for the second time in 18 months after it was recently removed.
Mr Minic was a prominent community-minded resident who died in a motorcycle accident, with the plaque created to honour his memory.
“He was one of the better known people within Mount Gambier,” Mr Harris said.
“We were a generation that had come through the city and he was a big character who was well loved by everyone at all ages.”
Mr Harris recently visited the memorial seat, but was shocked to see the plaque had been removed.
“Apparently this is not the first time either,” Mr Harris said, adding it had been replaced once before around 18-months ago.
“It was when the tree fell down here in the gardens,” he said.
“Apparently the tree only missed the table by about a metre and our friend Herman Bruins was first on scene the next day.
“Then he realised the memorial plaque was gone.”
Now Mr Harris and his band of life-long friends who donated the plaque are calling on the community to stop the vandalism.
“We want people to not only stop taking plaques from around the city but also stop vandalising the seating,” Mr Harris said.
“We are not too sure how long the plaque has been gone for but it does look as though it was taken out by a screwdriver.”
Mr Harris said the plaque holds sentimental value to those who meet regularly to remember their friend.
“If someone wished to find out more about Peter then they are able to contact us all quite easily,” he said.
“I am quite disappointed really because the plaque has a lot of sentimental value.”
Described as “never hesitating to talk to people” Mr Harris said his dear friend was loved by all.
“Everywhere we went he was there and we would always give a hand when needed,” Mr Harris said.
“We did almost everything together, surfing and parties.
“We would help everyone in all ways we could including changing the sand in the filter pit at the YMCA once.”
Mr Harris quietened when speaking of his beloved friend’s sudden death.
“He was coming back from the lakes on his bike,” Mr Harris reflected.
“He then lost control of the steering as he was making his way down Bay Road.”
The death of his friend brought their group together, before deciding to dedicate a beautiful area to their selfless friend.
“Everyone got together after his death and decided to do something which lead us to having the table here in the Cave Garden in his memory,” Mr Harris said.
“I think graveyards are a bit morbid to reflect and speak to departed friends.
“But here, it is beautiful and is much more casual.”
