Vandals Destroy Accessible Toilet Within 24 Hours of Park Opening in Victoria Park
An accessible public toilet installed at the newly completed Elizabeth Baillie Park precinct in Victoria Park has been severely vandalised less than 24 hours after opening to the public. The shocking incident occurred just as the community was eagerly anticipating the park's official launch.
Extensive Damage Discovered by Cleaners
Cleaners discovered the destruction on Friday morning, the day after fences surrounding the newly finished parklands were removed. The damage was comprehensive and deliberate, with vandals breaking a window, punching holes in the ceiling, ripping an exhaust fan from its mounting, tearing a paper towel dispenser from the wall, damaging a baby change table, and scattering toilet rolls across the floor.
Both the interior and exterior of the toilet facility were covered in shattered glass, rendering the facility completely out of action until repairs can be completed. The Town of Victoria Park has confirmed there are no CCTV cameras directly at the toilet block, though private security cameras exist in the vicinity of the precinct. Authorities have requested footage from these cameras to help identify the offenders.
Mayor Expresses Disappointment and Concern
Mayor Karen Vernon expressed profound disappointment at the vandalism, telling PerthNow, "It's a shame to learn that it doesn't even get 24 hours and someone decides to do this. It hurts because the park is brand new and the community has been so excited to finally use it."
"People's enthusiasm was high and lots of people were chomping at the bit for the fences to come down so they could get in and use it," Mayor Vernon added. "I happened to be there yesterday when the fences came down and almost instantaneously people started appearing, walking their dogs, cycling, just having a wander."
Critical Changing Places Facility at Risk
The vandalised toilet block also houses Victoria Park's first-ever Changing Places facility, a specialised accessible bathroom designed for people with high support needs. This facility includes a hoist, adult-sized change table, space for carers, and hospital-grade equipment, with an average installation cost of approximately $500,000.
Mayor Vernon expressed particular concern about this aspect of the vandalism, stating, "My great concern is on the other side of the block, which is brand new, we have the town's first ever Changing Places facility. If that gets vandalised, then we have to go through the maintenance program to repair it, which is harder, and we have to meet compliance standards and inspections for those facilities in order to be accepted and certified by the Changing Places program."
"They're very expensive to install and we've waited years to get a Changing Places facility in the town," she emphasised.
Financial Burden Falls on Residents
The mayor highlighted that the ultimate cost of such vandalism is borne by local residents. "At the end of the day somebody has to pay for it, and it's the residents and ratepayers of Vic Park," Mayor Vernon stated bluntly.
Maintenance contractors have been contacted, and the town hopes to complete repairs quickly ahead of the park's official opening family event scheduled for tomorrow. The Elizabeth Baillie Park precinct was set to be fully opened to the public on March 14, though this timeline may now be affected by the necessary repairs.
Community Urged to Assist Investigation
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the vandalism to contact Crime Stoppers. The incident represents not just property damage but a significant setback for community accessibility and the long-awaited park development that local residents have anticipated for years.
