Elder 'distressed' over racist graffiti on beloved timber bridge

Historic timber bridge on NSW Far South Coast graffitied with racist languagePosted Mon 24 Aug 2026 at 3:24pmMon 24 Aug 2026 at 3:24pm, updated Mon 24 Aug 2026 at 3:56pmMon 24 Aug 2026 at 3:56pmGraffiti containing profanity and racist language has been spotted on Cuttagee Bridge (ABC South East NSW: Floss Adams)In short:Profanity and racist language was graffitied on a bridge at the centre of a long-running community debate on the NSW Far South Coast on the weekend.An Aboriginal elder, who was apparently targeted by the vandal, described the act as "distressing".What's next?The incident has been reported to police. Bega Valley Shire Council staff have since removed the graffiti.The racist and profane vandalism of a historic timber bridge has sparked outrage on the New South Wales Far South Coast.Cuttagee Bridge was built in 1892 and is part of a route used by tourists travelling south from Bermagui to Tathra.Barraga Bay resident and Restoration of Cuttagee Bridge group spokesman Phillip Coates said the explicit graffiti was noticed by members of the public on Sunday. He described the language used as "sickening".Barragga Bay resident Phil Coates described the language used in the graffiti as "sickening" (ABC South East NSW: Adriane Reardon)“It's language that you wouldn't and shouldn't use today, but someone has taken their stride and put it up for public vigil," Mr Coates said."It's extremely shameful and very racist."The graffiti on Cuttagee Bridge was spotted by members of the public on Sunday. (Supplied: Philip Coates)The message is believed to refer to Djiringanj man and traditional elder Uncle Gary Campbell.Mr Campbell said his family have been left distressed by the words.“They've really got sick minds, whoever went out and did that," he said. "I'm just a little bit distressed about it because my name's mentioned on there."Gary Campbell believes the vandalism was aimed at him. (ABC South East NSW: Floss Adams)Bega Valley Shire Council chief executive Anthony McMahon condemned the act and confirmed that the graffiti was removed this morning."Any act of racism is disgusting and has no place in our community," the statement reads."It serves only to offend, hurt and create division. In this instance the graffiti was also a personal attack on a member of our community as well as an act of criminal vandalism that creates a safety risk for road users."NSW Police are urging anyone with information to contact Bega Police or Crime Stoppers.Bridge backstoryCuttagee Bridge is a single-lane timber structure that has been at the centre of community and political debate for years.Last year Bega Valley Shire Council voted to turn the aging structure into a two-lane concrete bridge, despite many residents calling for it to be restored instead.This year a decision was made to progress with a two-lane hybrid bridge featuring concrete and decorative timber elements, along with a shared pathway and handrails.Council accepted $15 million from the NSW government to support the upgrade and a further $15 million commitment was announced in July.Cuttagee Bridge is well-known feature of the area. (ABC News)Mr Campbell, who has publicly shared his opinion about the restoration of the bridge, said the graffiti was "tied to my views about the bridge"."When they build this new bridge, they're going to disturb everything around that, like there's artefacts, there's burial sites there," he said."The old fellas used to spot fish on the point, and they're going to have all their big equipment up on that point where it's crumbling."Mr Coates also believes the location of the graffiti was chosen deliberately and "related to the bridge saga".