“Disappointing” was a polite was of describing the vandalism on Sunday night that trashed the Christmas Tree in the Main Street, along with decorations on trees.
The tree was set up in the first week of December by members of the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry, near the rotunda to beautify the town and create some positive Christmas spirit.
Potted Pear’s Mark Hopley, who helped clean up the mess on Monday morning, said the committee members were incredibly disappointed.
“Does it jeopardise next year’s tree? That’s not really the spirit of Christmas, is it? It makes you wonder though,” Mr Hopley said.
Bairnsdale Police Station’s acting seargent, Wez Knights, said police received a ‘000’ call at about 11.30pm on Sunday night when the vandalism occurred.
He said a police van was nearby and rushed to the scene, with officers witnessing three youths fleeing.
He said police had reviewed CCTV footage from the rotunda and asked for anyone who saw anything or had any dashcam or CCTV footage to contact police.
“It’s disappointing to have that type of behaviour given the year we’ve all had,” Sgt Knights said.

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Vandals ruined the Bairnsdale Christmas tree on Sunday night. The tree looked spectacular prior to being vandalised. (PS)