Vandals damage Indigenous birthing tree sacred to Victoria’s Djab Wurrung people

Police investigate vandalism of tree that was set to be demolished for major road project before large protests in western Victoria

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

A sacred Indigenous birthing tree that was once at the centre of large protests in western Victoria over Aboriginal cultural heritage rights has been vandalised with a pro-highway message and had three drill holes cut into its trunk.

Police are investigating after the tree - sacred to the Djab Wurrung people - was vandalised near Buangor, about 180km west of Melbourne. The Djab Wurrung people have been fighting for four years to prevent the destruction of the birthing trees as part of a major state government road project.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup