A Sydney icon restored

Council has pledged more than half a million dollars to conserving and restoring the heritage listed El Alamein Memorial Fountain in Kings Cross.

The “Dandelion” fountain, located outside of the Kings Cross Police Station, has been subject to vandalism and after four years of community pressure, the City of Sydney Council is taking action.

“Sydney Council’s actions are better late than never,” said Andrew Woodhouse, president of Potts Point and King Cross Heritage Conservation Society.

“After four years of lobbying we are pleased to see work is now at the development application stage and will be sensitive to this famous fountain,” he said.

The El Alamein Memorial Fountain was erected in 1961 as a war memorial to the Australian soldiers of the 9th Division who fought near the Egyptian town of El Alamein during World War II.

Mr Woodhouse said the fountain has come under continuous attack and vandalism in the area has increased since 2001 when the council approved more pubs and clubs and extended licensing hours.

According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, incidents of malicious damage to property in the Kings Cross area have been stable since 2001.

Mr Woodhouse is requesting the introduction of special legislation to protect all war memorials from vandalism.

“Tougher legislation will allow arrest, charges, heavy fines and compulsory clean-up work by offenders,” he said.

This comes in the wake of the case against Jessica Mary Lodge, a 29-year-old constable based at Redfern police station, who, in June this year, pleaded guilty to urinating on the steps of the Anzac War Memorial in Hyde Park.

Ms Lodge was charged with committing an offensive act and was place on a 12-month good behaviour bond.

Chris Harris, City of Sydney Greens Councillor, said that there is adequate legislation to address damage to property.

“It’s a bit over the top,” he said. “Generally speaking people are respectful of war memorials and I don’t think vandals pick on these sites any more than your house.”

“What we need is more progressive thinking on how to engage young people in society and how to provide better outlets for their anger, not just another piece of legislation.”

By Kristie Beattie