VANDALS have kicked in part of a new fence at Colac Cemetery.

The new fence borders the cemetery on two sides.

Cemetery manager Rebecca Beasley said the damage was upsetting.

“If it’s getting vandalised they’re only damaging their own cemetery,” Ms Beasley said.

“It’s about taking pride in your cemetery and having respect for areas like this,” she said.

Groundsman Greg Parker said he discovered the damage on Monday morning.

“I was expecting it, but pretty disappointed to see it damaged within a week basically,” Mr Parker said

“We got a grant from the government to put it up,” he said.

“Basically the community paid for it.”

Ms Beasley said the vandalism showed disrespect for community property.

“If you show signs of disrespect and vandalism, you’re not going to have a nice town,” she said.

The contractor who put up the fence has already repaired it.

Bushy’s Fencing owner Greg Bishop said his staff were at the cemetery on Monday to put caps on the fence when they noticed the hole.

“While they’re there, they might as well put another sheet in it,” Mr Bishop said.

Colac police are investigating the damage, and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.