THREE newly-planted roses bred and grown specifically to celebrate 90 years of the South Australian Country Women’s Association (SACWA) were pulled and stolen from the Loxton branch recently.
Loxton’s SACWA branch, which has been around for 75 years, takes pride in being part of a statewide organisation whose motto is ‘Sharing and caring with action’.
SACWA president Kath Gillard said the club was disappointed by the act.
“The roses, which had been breeding for two years, had to be ordered in, and we got the second batch which took an extra year,” she said.
“We (the members) planted them about a month ago and they were beautiful, healthy roses.
“The first one was gone within four days – planted on a Thursday and gone on a Monday – and by the following weekend the other two were gone also.
“I reported it to the police because it was more so vandalism than anything.
“It was just destructiveness and we are quite saddened and angry that someone would do such a thing.”
Ms Gillard said the organisation were disappointed to hear of the news.
“The whole state got given roses so the organisation was very upset – something like this has never happened before,” she said.
“Behaviour like this rarely happens in Loxton so it’s very disappointing.”
Ms Gillard said the club will have to go on another waitlist to receive more roses.
“Breeding season is over at the moment so we might have to wait another year for more roses,” she said.
“If anyone knows anything we would love them to come forward.
“I just hope whoever stole them is at least enjoying them because they are very special.”