Extensive graffiti at Hawks Nest beach amenities raises community concern

EXTENSIVE graffiti inside the unisex toilet block at Hawks Nest Beach has prompted community concern. 

Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association president Sandra Bourke said the issue was raised following an incident on Saturday 22 February, when a young child refused to enter one of the cubicles.

“On the weekend, during a morning when Surf Life Saving Club Nippers were active and families were at the beach, a four-year-old girl reportedly refused to use the cubicle, telling her mother it was ‘scary’,” Ms Bourke said.

“The interior walls of the cubicle are almost entirely covered in thick red spray paint, with large lettering, symbols and markings extending from near floor level to the ceiling.

“The extent of the damage inside the toilet is significant.

“In the small, enclosed area, the heavy red markings are confronting, particularly for young children.”

The public amenities at Hawks Nest beach are used by families, visitors and residents.

“Their condition directly affects how safe and welcoming the beach and parks feel,” Ms Bourke said.

“When vandalism reaches this scale, it diminishes the amenity for everyone who relies on these facilities.”

MidCoast Council has been advised of the damage.

“Removal will require council staff to allocate time and resources to clean and repaint the interior surfaces,” Ms Bourke said.

“Those resources are limited.

“Time spent rectifying vandalism is time diverted from other maintenance and improvement work across the area, including after the recent bushfires.

“Until it is removed, the affected cubicle remains visually overwhelming and, for some users, distressing to enter.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to report graffiti and other issues in public spaces as a “Report and Request” to MidCoast Council via its online portal, or to contact the Progress Association at HNTGProgress@gmail.com.