Bogan Shire mayor Ray Donald has spoken out about vandalism in the community.

“Our community is being disadvantaged because of the selfish and pointless actions of a small number of individuals,” he said.

In recent times Nyngan has experienced several acts of vandalism including:

o Three holes being burnt in the new shade sails over the O’Reilly Park playground on different occasions.

o Ripping up the under-surfacing at O’Reilly Park playground.

o Holes burnt in the new shade sail at the Bogan Bush Mobile.

o Glass in the phone booth at Davidson Park being smashed several times.

o Damage to the wall at the side of the Town Hall.

o The gate to the new perimeter safety fence at O’Reilly Park playground being ripped from its hinges twice in less than a week.

o Graffiti on the playground equipment at O’Reilly Park.

o Windows smashed at the dental surgery and the museum.

Bogan Shire general manager Derek Francis confirmed that the cost of repairing these recent acts of vandalism was more than $30,000.

 “This is very disappointing for two reasons,” Mayor Donald said. 

“Firstly, because these sails and other assets - which are there for the enjoyment and benefit of the whole community - are spoilt by the actions of a few.  

Secondly, because this is $30,000 of our community’s money that the shire could have spent on something else, for example, upgrades of playground equipment.”

Council is to consider installing surveillance cameras at the O’Reilly Park playground in response to this continued vandalism - again at a cost to the community, money that could be better spent on their things

Nyngan police Sergeant Tony Wood has appealed for members of the community to report suspicious activity to police. 

“A small group of people can cause an enormous amount of damage, but they always wait until the police are elsewhere before they commit their crimes,” he said.

“We need eyes and ears in the community to help us catch those responsible.

 “A strong community

prepared to stand against threats to law and order, and support police efforts to apprehend offenders, is the best defence against the current acts of vandalism.”  

Mayor Donald said he was  sure all residents wanted to send a strong message to these

offenders that their destructive, costly actions would not be tolerated.  

“Anything that puts at risk our community remaining a safe place to live in must be meet head on, legally dealt with and eliminated”, he said.