Stolen. That’s the word that echoes around this Billy Thorpe memorial. Three times this tribute to the King of Rock has been vandalized. The original plaque vanished in 2012. It reappeared much later in a Sunbury charity bin. A replacement suffered the same fate a year ago. Now this latest attack. This Billy Thorpe memorial stands as a testament to his electrifying performance at the Sunbury Pop Festival. It’s a reminder of the influence he had on a generation.
This small plaque here is not just metal and words. It represents a piece of Australian music history. It embodies the energy of the 1970s festivals at Diggers Rest. Billy Thorpe’s performance was legendary. Debra Sweeney remembers it as unbelievable. She’s passionate about preserving this memorial. She feels the vandalism is deeply disrespectful to Thorpe’s family and his fans. She believes a more permanent and secure tribute is needed. Perhaps a statue or a museum. Something worthy of the King of Rock’s legacy.
Many feel his contributions deserve more than just a vulnerable plaque. People felt disgusted by the vandalism. They believe these repeated thefts are senseless. The thieves likely sought to sell the metal or keep it as a souvenir. Sadly this isn’t an isolated incident. Around the same time as the first theft nearby sites were targeted. The miniature railway and even Bulla cemetery were victims. This Billy Thorpe memorial needs stronger protection. It’s vital that we protect this piece of Australia’s rock and roll heritage. This memorial represents more than just a musician. It represents an era. An era of unforgettable music and vibrant culture. It is time to ensure this Billy Thorpe memorial is properly secured. It is time to give the King of Rock the lasting tribute he deserves.