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Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Home Hill Police Senior Constable Will Stewart beside one of the damaged interpretive signs at Charlie’s Hill World War II Memorial. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Two new signs at Charlie’s Hill World War II Memorial have been vandalised just weeks out from ANZAC Day.
The damage was reported on 9 April, with two of six newly erected interpretive signs—installed late last month to recognise the site’s wartime significance—left dented.
Senior Constable Will Stewart said Home Hill Police are “thoroughly investigating” the matter, and described the timing of the damage as unfortunate given the proximity to ANZAC Day.
“It’s disappointing to see the damage to the signage placed at Charlie's Hill, especially so close to ANZAC Day. The site is an important part of WWII history in North Queensland and as such, deserves to be treated with respect and care,” Mr Stewart said.
Police are investigating damage to two interpretive signs at Charlie’s Hill World War II Memorial, reported earlier this month. The incident comes just weeks before ANZAC Day.
The site, officially ‘Charlie’s Hill RAAF 211 Radar Station,’ played a vital role in Australia’s northern defence strategy during World War II. Constructed in 1943 by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), it was one of twenty radar installations along the North Queensland Coast detecting enemy aircraft and protecting against Japanese attacks.
Defunct since October 1945, the site has since served as a memorial. The new signage, installed by the Burdekin Shire Council with assistance from the Queensland Remembers Grants Program, aimed to solidify its rich history, making the vandalism “especially frustrating,” Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said.
“The vandalism at Charlie’s Hill is deeply disappointing, particularly given the site’s importance to our local history and the fact that it has recently undergone improvements to better recognise its significance. These places deserve respect—not just from Council, but from the entire community.”
Senior Constable Stewart lauded council efforts to breathe new life into the site, and urged residents with relevant information on the vandalism to come forward.
“The Burdekin Shire Council has done a fantastic job in erecting the signage at the site, providing important historical information to locals and tourists alike about the key role the site played in Australia’s defence,” he said.
“The community can be assured that Home Hill Police will be thoroughly investigating the matter, and if any person has any information regarding the damage they are encouraged to contact Policelink.”
Information can be reported to Policelink on 131 444, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Home Hill Police on 4782 1300, with emergencies to 000.
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