The ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph in Cherrybrook — a nationally recognised memorial honouring Indian and Australian soldiers who fought together at Gallipoli — has been repeatedly targeted in acts of vandalism involving the Indian national flag, prompting concern from community leaders and renewed calls for action.
Anand Manickam, Vice President of the Australia India Cenotaph Custodian Committee and Vice President of Hindu Council (NSW), has lodged several complaints with The Hills District NSW Police and Hornsby Shire Council, describing the repeated defacement as “deeply troubling” and suggesting the acts may have been motivated by hate.
Manickam told The Australia Today, “As custodians of the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph, we strongly condemn any damage to this sacred site.”
“Such acts are a profound disrespect to the memorial and to the shared military sacrifices it represents. They are unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
Despite multiple reports over recent months, the vandalism remains unresolved. It is reported that NSW Police Chief Inspector Phil Brooks visited the site and recommended a series of upgrades, including internally operated flagpoles, permanent flag affixing, increased patrols, and greater community awareness. However, the suggested measures have yet to be fully implemented, and incidents have continued.
Unveiled in 2018 to mark the Centenary of the Armistice, the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph stands in Greenway Park, Cherrybrook, as a Place of Pride recognised by the Australian War Memorial. The monument commemorates the 15,000 Indian soldiers who fought alongside Australians at Gallipoli during World War I — more than 1,400 of whom were killed and 3,500 wounded.
The granite monument, featuring the Australian Army Rising Sun badge and India’s Ashoka Chakra, symbolises the enduring military and democratic ties between the two nations. Supported by the Hornsby Shire Council, the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and the Indian-Australian veterans’ community, the memorial has also drawn bipartisan support from local, state, and federal representatives.
Manickam added that they continue to work closely with authorities and community stakeholders to ensure the Cenotaph remains protected and respected. “This memorial is not just a piece of stone — it represents shared sacrifice and friendship between Australia and India,” he said.
“It must be safeguarded from those who seek to dishonour that legacy.”
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