Dani Basilotta and Jacky Grewer are disappointed The Old Cheese Factory has been subject to an array of vandalism in 2008.By Callan Date
ONE of Berwick’s most historical buildings is under attack from senseless vandals.
The Old Cheese Factory has stood the test of time since it was built in 1860 but a recent wave of vandalism has left a damage bill in excess of $30,000.
Numerous incidents of arson, graffiti and theft of property have occurred at the Homestead Road site since the start of the year.
The latest attack on 10 February resulted in a $20,000 marquee being destroyed along with several pieces of plastic furniture. The property, which was owned by a hire company, had been used for a wedding the previous day.
Manager Dani Basilotta said the constant damage had left volunteers and staff disheartened.
“It is the worst (vandalism) we have seen here in about eight years. It gets to the point where you start taking it personally. This is my twelfth year at the cheese factory and you start to think why you bother doing this,” she said.
Ms Basilotta said volunteers at The Old Cheese Factory were spending most of their time cleaning up the grounds.
“We have had toilet doors kicked in. We have had the toilet signs removed three times. Graffiti, broken windows, all our plastic chairs and tables have been burnt. Somebody has tried to hack down one of the support poles. Fires have been lit and toilet rolls ripped off the walls and set alight.”
Security and police patrols have increased in recent times but the old homestead has still been attacked.
“The problem is there are so many ways of getting in and out of the property. This is a beautiful historic house but there are these silly little buggers destroying it.”
Ms Basilotta said she was working with the City of Casey to try to get security cameras installed around the site.
“Our neighbours have been pretty good over the years but it (vandalism) seems to be happening between midnight and 3am when they are all asleep.”
Anyone with any information about the fires is asked to contact Det Sgt Kear on 9705 3114 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
