Warrumbungle Shire Council has expressed disappointment following separate acts of vandalism at Mendooran Oval and Baradine Oval recently, with newly upgraded community facilities damaged.

At Mendooran Oval, the new amenities building was targeted, with toilets and facilities covered in dirt and rubbish and a baby change table ripped off the wall.

Council recently invested $502,176 into constructing the facility.

Council said senseless vandalism puts this investment at risk and may impact local user groups, including the football club, through potential closures and costly repairs.

In a separate incident this week, Baradine Oval was again vandalised.

Damage included destroyed door frames, a new stainless-steel splashback in the canteen sprayed with a fire extinguisher, and damage to the exterior of the old canteen.

A fire was also lit on the floor of the ladies’ amenities.

Council recently invested $176,908 in upgrading facilities at Baradine Oval.

The latest incident follows vandalism at the Baradine sports oval early last year, when sections of the grandstand were defaced with objectionable graffiti.

At the time, Baradine Magpies Football Club president Adrian Worrell described the damage as deeply disheartening.

This baby change table was ripped from the wall at Mendooran Oval in senseless act of vandalism.

“Warrumbungle Shire Council has worked hard to maintain and upgrade this vital recreational area in our town to make it more enjoyable for the community,” Mr Worrell said.

“So, to see it vandalised in this way is not only a waste of ratepayers’ money but also makes the area unsightly and unwelcoming.

“Graffiti vandalism is a crime.”

Council said repeated vandalism diverts limited public funds away from improvements and into repairs.

“Our staff had to step away from scheduled works and planned tasks to make the facility safe and usable again,” council said.

“This takes time and resources away from other projects across the Shire.”

Council said vandalism costs the whole community.

“It disrupts events, wastes public funds and affects the people who rely on these facilities.”

The Baradine matter has been reported to NSW Police, with forensic officers attending the site.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or lodge a report via the NSW Police Force Community Portal under Intentional Damage here.

Council encouraged residents to look out for antisocial behaviour and report suspicious activity.