By Callum Ludwig
Millgrove has been hit by another case of vandalism over the weekend for the second week running.
Members of the River Valley Church arrived for their Sunday service to find the caravan had a back window smashed in and the mesh ripped open.
Pastor Adam Killeen said the church had been working towards the van for 12 months.
“We were saving money and trying to find the right van, So the plan is, so at the moment, we take the van out, every Wednesday, we go out to the park, and now we spend two or three hours in the park, cooking lunch, making coffees and offering blankets and beanies for the community,” he said.
“It’s just a relationship, people are lonely and it’s just a great place for people to come together somewhere safe be cared for, fed and spoiled a little bit.”
Just the previous weekend, Millgrove Preschool had a fence gate ripped out and the lock smashed in.
Pr Killeen said he often sees bored teenage kids in the area.
“I have seen kids over at the new soccer club building looking for a way to gain access or to get on the roofs and once I stop and pay them a bit of attention they’re on their way but it’s certainly a bit of a problem,” he said.
“There are no hard feelings towards anyone who may have done it, they’re obviously a little bit lost and in need of some love themselves, so it’s all good, we will soldier on and be alright.”
The River Valley Church had plenty of messages of concern and support, with some concerned about whether the van would be operational for its weekly gathering. For some, it’s the only time of the week they feel a bit loved and looked after.
Pr Killeen said while it will be easily repaired, every cent counts.
“Every cent that we have to drop into the maintenance and repairs of vandalism could have been spent looking after people,” he said.
“With the cost of living high and the housing crisis, we need every cent that we can scrape together in order to channel into the community where it’s much needed.”
Any incidents of vandalism in Millgrove can be reported to Warburton Police Station in person or on 5966 2006.
