PROMINENT Muswellbrook businessman John Flood has taken aim at vandals who “desecrated” Mercy Convent this week, labeling their actions a “disgrace”.
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More than $5000 worth of damage is the early estimation, but that figure looks certain to rise, thanks to smashed windows, writing on the walls, broken ornaments and doors, and numerous sections of the facility being spray-painted.
All in all, 11 rooms were ravaged.
“I’m in shock,” Mr Flood said.
“I wouldn’t think it [Mercy Convent] would be targeted – it’s a sacred place.
“However, they’ve defiled it.
“I’d hate to think locals were behind this.
“The local church does so much for the community.
“It’s such a senseless act.”
The parish priest, Father Anthony Nguyen, also expressed his disappointment.
“It’s obviously occurred over the past couple of nights – I found everything this way when I arrived today [Thursday],” he said.
“No matter what room I entered, something was damaged.
“The convent is such a beautiful place, right in the heart of town.
“I don’t understand the reasoning behind it.
“There is no money on the premises (formerly the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music), so there’s nothing to take.
“And, even though the facility isn’t utilised as much anymore, it’s still no excuse.
“There were some extremely vile messages written on the wall, too, which were quite offensive.
“I’m still shaking my head; it just makes no sense.
“What did they hope to gain?
“Even though we’ve contacted the police, we might need to look at installing CCTV cameras to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”