Mr Downer said a farmer who lived near Rupanyup Recreation Reserve had also contacted the club with information about the theft, after seeing a ute on his CCTV footage that appeared to have gotten bogged.
“It was basically just a standard car-transport trailer that was modified with a big steel frame. I’d say that’s what they’ve cut off – that might’ve been what the farmer heard,” he said.
Mr Downer said the scoreboard was insured, but replacing it would take time, while the club would need to replace the trailer using its own money.
He said it was the second time thieves had targeted a trailer at the club this year – with one stolen about six weeks ago, which was intercepted by Warracknabeal police.
“They’d hooked it on and taken the plates off it, then spraypainted over all the signage on the doors,” he said.
“The police happened to intercept them and we got a call when they checked, because they realised it was stolen. We haven’t had a great run unfortunately. We were out of pocket for that because we had to then get it prepped and repainted. Now this happens. There’s too much of it going on at the moment.”
Mr Downer urged anyone with information about the theft to contact the club. People can also submit online reports anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
He said the club would be unable to replace its scoreboard until next season, and will have to revert to an old-style scoreboard for the remainder of 2026.
“It just makes life a bit harder. Digital scoreboards in this day and age are so much easier for clubs that are volunteer-based,” he said.
“We obviously won’t get anything up and going for the rest of the year by the time the insurance is sorted out. It’s such an inconvenience, which is disappointing.”
The entire June 24, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire June 24, 2026 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!