Seymour volunteer Ossie Taylor is calling on community members to report acts of vandalism after a native species of plant was pulled from the ground and dumped in Seymour.
The Kings Park Recreation Reserve facilities and maintenance volunteer found an austral grass tree had been removed from the High St roundabout and discarded at the front of Seymour GOTAFE.
The trunk is able to grow to more than three metres in height with a width of up to one metre and may be branched.
The plant is very slow growing and trunks only start appearing after many years.
Mr Taylor is a regular at Kings Park, working with Ken Hall and the volunteer team to keep the recreation reserve in pristine condition.
The 86-year-old said he was saddened to see the mindless vandalism of what could have been a picturesque addition to the roundabout.
“These could have grown tall with a beautiful big head on them,” he said.
“I just don’t understand why people do this. My generation is planting these for the next generation, and it is being destroyed.
“We’ve seen it happen to a lot of plants and trees in the area. Unfortunately, if people can grab something, they will break it.
“I encourage people to report vandalism and dob in the people who are doing this. That’s the only way we can stop it.”
If anyone is in immediate danger or a crime is currently occurring, call Triple Zero (000).
If there is no danger, you can report to police by calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
You can also use Victoria Police’s online reporting tool for items/damage up to $5000 at onlinereporting.police.vic.gov.au
Anonymous reports can also be made with Crime Stoppers at crimestoppersvic.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.