Two women, aged 20 and 22, are facing charges after allegedly being found spray painting a wall at the Heidelberg RSL.
RSL members reportedly noticed the act of vandalism taking place at around 1:45 a.m.
The duo attempted to flee, but police pursued them on foot.
Both women have been charged with criminal damage, marking graffiti on property without consent, and possessing tools for graffiti.
They are scheduled to appear at the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on May 19.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines condemned the act, describing it as “disgraceful and cowardly.”
Police say they believe two other acts of vandalism are also linked.
The Reservoir RSL sub-branch building was also targeted with graffiti overnight, “containing anti-veteran, anti-Australian Defence Force and deeply offensive slurs”.
Veteran Geoff Cagney told 9News it made him feel sad.
“People don’t respect the effort people put in going overseas to give them the life they have today,” he said.
A spokesperson for the sub-branch called the attack “disgraceful” but praised the veterans, serving members and families who came together in support and condemnation.
“Sometime overnight, offenders targeted our building with hateful graffiti containing anti-veteran, anti-Australian Defence Force and deeply offensive slurs,” the statement said.
“These messages were sprayed across multiple external walls of our club on one of the most sacred and significant days in our national calendar.
“To deliberately target a veterans’ organisation on Anzac Day is disgraceful. It was clearly intended to cause hurt, division and distress to veterans, serving members, their families, and the broader community who gather each year to honour sacrifice and service.
“Despite this hateful act, the offenders failed in their objective.
“Following the service, many attendees and members were unfortunately exposed to the graffiti while attending our traditional Gunfire Breakfast.
“While upsetting, the overwhelming response from the public was one of unity, support and condemnation of those responsible. Today, as always, Reservoir stood together.”
The Fawkner RSL Memorial stone was also vandalised, that branch said.
The attack was captured on CCTV.
Two figures emerged around 1.30am and sprayed the RSL’s Anzac memorial, filming their efforts, before they left.
Manager Marc Nunn labelled the behaviour as “pretty poor and very un-Australian”.
Locals have pledges to help restore it, the sub-branch said in a statement.
“The paint will be removed our memorial will be restored to honour the glory of our fallen,” they said.
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