The vandalism of a war memorial that has stood in the Wollongong suburb of Thirroul for more than 100 years has outraged the community.

A model of a wooden rifle has been stolen from the statue of a soldier, standing 5 metres above the sandstone pedestal of the World War I memorial.

The theft from Woodward Memorial Park in the northern Illawarra was discovered on Wednesday.

Austinmer Thirroul RSL President Will Lee described the loss as "absolutely devastating".

"We were walking through the memorial garden and looked up, and realised the rifle was missing," he said.

"It's hard to believe someone would target such a sacred site.

" This monument was dedicated 105 years ago to honour those who served and gave their lives, it's heartbreaking. "

Mr Lee said he believed the theft would

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