It was a solar-powered butterfly, left with love and sorrow on the grave of a dear friend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was a symbol of friendship and hope, joining others left on the grave by loved ones, but then they all disappeared.
Sophie McDonagh, 21, of Moss Vale, was shocked when her late friend's mother texted her to tell her that gifts left on the grave had been removed.
"I'm stunned," she said.
"It's very disrespectful, no matter who or what, to touch someone's grave."
At first assuming it was the work of thieves, Ms McDonagh took to a local Facebook group, Just Ask - The Southern Highlands and Surroundings, to warn others.
"This isn't a post I really wanted to write because I am absolutely disgusted that someone would even do this," she wrote.
"My friend and I lost one of our best friends a few years ago now and every year on her birthday we place something special on her grave. To get a text today saying that everything we've put there has been stolen was heartbreaking.
"Her own mother does not even want to put flowers or anything more precious as she thinks it will happen again.
"I know it'll probably never get returned but I'm hoping whoever it was has the human decency to put back everything and just show a little respect.
"Praying that this does not happen to anyone else's loved ones."
IN NATIONAL NEWS: Missing SA fishermen found alive after days lost at sea
Many of the comments on her post suggested that others had experienced the same thing, but also that it may have been removed by groundskeepers due to council policy.
Wingecarribee Shire Council's cemetary policy, adopted in March this year, states:
"The placement of floral and non-floral tributes can be undertaken within the guidelines set by council.
"Council is not responsible or liable for the security of tributes, flowers, ornaments or other objects placed in any cemetery.
"Planting of any tree, shrub or plant in the ground in any cemetery is not to be undertaken without the written permission of council.
"Due to safety issues, glass vases or other objects containing glass are not to be left in any area of council cemeteries.
"Metal objects, wire, gravel, wood chip, netting or items likely to cause a risk to health or safety are not to be placed in an area specified as a lawn beam area.
"Advertising and promotional material are not to be placed or left in any cemetery without written permission of council.
"Council reserves the right to remove, without reference to anyone, any item considered an immediate risk to the safety of the public or staff."
"Council reserves the right to remove, without reference to anyone, any item considered an immediate risk to the safety of the public or staff."
A council spokesman added that, while he couldn't comment on the matter in particular, the community could rest assured that staff were very careful in handling such matters.
"Council staff take great pride, discretion and sensitivity maintaining our cemeteries," he said.
Ms McDonagh said that she had carefully chosen the butterfly so that it met the criteria in the policy, and had left it securely in the grave.
She called on council to consider some security measures.
"If it's been removed by council, then the policy isn't specific enough," she said.
"If it's been stolen, and council aren't liable for security, then why not? If they had security cameras, then we could all feel comfortable."
But the council spokesman said that security cameras were not on the cards.
"At present, council is not considering the installation of security cameras," he said.
"Council recognises that our cemeteries and memorials are some of the most sensitive and scared public places in our community.
"Keeping these special spaces private is very important and we believe that our community share this sentiment.
"If anyone notices any suspicious behaviour within our shire's cemeteries we would encourage them to call Crime Stoppers on phone 1800 333 000 or council on 4868 0888."
- The family requested that the cemetery not be named in this article.