Tabitha, front with her son Ryan, was devastated to find the volunteer-run playgroup had been vandalised last week. Parents with their children, back, from left, Jodi and James, Sam and Alex, Fiona and Emily, Michelle and Linden, front Jazmin, Mack, Jake, Jex, Tess and Jett. 85059 Picture: DONNA OATES.
By LILLY O’GORMAN
GARFIELD Playgroup committee is gutted following a vandalism attack on its community-funded building.
Group leader of Garfield Playgroup and mum, Tabitha Blumfield, said she was “gutted and angry” to discover last Tuesday night that the roller door to the playgroup’s shed had been kicked in between the previous Saturday and Tuesday.
Though nothing was stolen, Ms Blumfield said the damage meant the shed and its contents, including toys and art supplies, couldn’t be accessed.
Ms Blumfield said the incident raised concerns that the vandals might strike again, as she had noticed increased incidences of vandalism in the area.
“It has changed my view of Garfield,” she said.
Garfield Playgroup raised the money to purchase both playground equipment and the shed located on the community centre site.
Dancing classes, taekwondo and aged care groups also use the centre.
“That’s what I am really annoyed at. There are only a few of us running the centre, and if this keeps happening we will have to shut it down.
“We will be looking at installing further security.”
Cardinia Shire Council attended the playgroup and the shed was repaired the following day.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact Pakenham Police Station on 5945 2500.
