Cr Jenny McKinnon with the vandalised Michael Slater Oval sign at Bolton Park. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Just five days before International Women’s Day, anonymous Wagga vigilantes have covered the Bolton Park sign that once said ”Michael Slater Oval” with a big sticker saying ”End Domestic Violence”.
The name of the sporting field has been the subject of much debate in the town ever since Wagga-born former Australian Test cricketer Slater was convicted of domestic violence offences in 2022.
The recent act of vandalism was praised by Greens councillor Jenny McKinnon, but her counterpart Richard Foley said graffiti was not the solution to violence against women.
Wagga Council voted in favour of changing the name of the oval in May 2024, with Deputy Mayor Amelia Parkins arguing this sent a message to the community that the council did not condone domestic violence in any scenario.
The council had not yet actioned this change, but anonymous vigilantes have taken matters into their own hands. First, they spray-painted over the cricket star’s name last year, and then placed a sticker over his name at the weekend.
On discovering the new signage, Cr McKinnon was surprised but said it reflected the city’s commitment to non-violence.
“Wagga has a great reputation, and so much work has been done by Rotary in regards to Wagga being named a Peace City,” she said.
“We have various peace monuments, and this sign has been put up and it’s saying it’s about an end to violence. It’s about the names of our places around the city being names that support non-violence.
“Maybe it’s not going to be named after a person, maybe it’s going to have a different type of name, which is fine by me.”
Cr McKinnon said the community was invested in the ongoing issue of domestic violence and, while people did want the oval to have a name, a majority wanted it changed.
“I understand we don’t have a clear consensus about what the community would like that oval to be called,” she said.
“It’s not necessarily urgent, but at some point, we do need to go through a process of checking in with the community about what they want it to be called.
“We want to do this when we feel there is a consensus. Whether the name belongs to a person is one possibility. However, I was interested to see the name that was chosen, as it is clearly not a person.”
The Michael Slater name was covered by spray paint last year. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Cr McKinnon said it was no coincidence the signage had been changed in the lead-up to International Women’s Day.
“This is an important moment for women and policymakers alike,” she said. ”I have the council in mind, as they play a key role in shaping policy and considering what this means.
“What is its significance to the community? What does the community want to see? And what long-term obligations do we need to fulfil regarding our place names?”
Cr Richard Foley was not supportive of the vandalism.
“This is a complex issue, and real change comes from education and shifting attitudes – not from slapping graffiti or stickers over signs just to stir controversy,” he said.
“Domestic violence happens behind closed doors, and if we want to make a real impact, we need to focus on prevention, support, and accountability – not just symbolic grandstanding gestures that ruffle a few feathers but ultimately achieve nothing.”
Cr Foley said the council had already been investigating the issue of a name change and was developing a policy process for naming public spaces.
“But let’s be clear – changing the name of an oval will do absolutely nothing to protect the next domestic violence victim, not one,” he said.
“That’s why I’m supporting the establishment of a men’s health centre, which will focus on addressing attitudes to domestic violence, fostering male leadership, and promoting proper male role models.”
Michael Slater Oval is one of three that make up the Bolton Park Precinct, with the two others named after other Wagga cricketers, Geoff Lawson and Mark Taylor.
