Less than a week after the official opening of the rejuvenated gardens, park furniture was burnt and racist graffiti was painted on the nearby wall of Littleton Café (BDN 13/12).

Yesterday at Bega Police Station, a 34-year-old man was charged for one count of malicious damage and one count of a graffiti offence, and a 39-year-old Bega man will face one count of a graffiti offence.

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Bill Taylor said he was pleased to learn those responsible had been caught.

 “People are very quick to blame young people for anti-social behaviour, but in this case the perpetrators were well out of their teens and certainly should have known better," he said.

“That they have confessed to the vandalism is a strong indication that the public reaction against their actions will have influenced their decision to own up.

“At this stage we do not know why they chose to vandalise this lovely space.”

Cr Taylor said Council will be seeking compensation for the damage.

Both men have been bailed to appear at Bega Local Court on the January 28.