Two men have been taken into custody following an incident of graffiti vandalism on a rock face at Paradise Falls, situated within Victoria’s Alpine National Park.
Paradise Falls, located around three and a half hours north of Melbourne, lies on Taungurung Country — land of cultural and historical significance to the Taungurung people.
The vandalism, which involved graffiti sprayed on a rock surface, was first discovered on May 12.
On Wednesday, Melbourne police arrested a 24-year-old man from Rosebud, charging him with criminal damage and violations under Victoria’s Aboriginal Heritage Act, which protects sacred and culturally important sites. He has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear in the Wangaratta Magistrates Court in September.
A second individual, a 25-year-old man from Hastings, was also arrested during a police search at his residence. Authorities stated he is expected to face the same charges at a future date.
The graffiti, described as black lettering on a green background and measuring roughly 10 metres wide by 2 metres high, remains in place at the waterfall’s base. Efforts to remove it have been delayed due to the ongoing police investigation, which includes assessments by specialist graffiti analysts.
Local residents expressed concern that any clean-up efforts might risk further harm to the delicate and culturally significant environment.
Both the Taungurung Land & Waters Council and Parks Victoria have been approached for comment.
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