The 3m star, displayed each Christmas on Alum Mountain since 2003, was found vandalised by one of the volunteers who light the star up each night.

Police said someone tore the star down from the lookout platform and damaged the generator.

The ropes holding the decoration up had been cut, according to volunteers, and the star itself, made from timber, perspex and lights, was partially damaged. They also said the lead running from the generator used to light the star was cut.

With intentions to repair the damage, volunteers went back to the site on January 6, only to find further destruction had been carried out to the viewing platform it was displayed on and the star left beyond repair.

Volunteers said it appeared to have been rolled from the top of the cliff, breaking most of the lights, all of the perspex and leaving the timber frame irreparable.

Upset residents said the star had become an icon in the community with many local businesses and community groups contributing each year to its running.

“It was a real community thing,” Bulahdelah local David McPhail said.

“A lot of the residents wouldn’t know that’s why it wasn’t there; many of them may have presumed it was because of a technical fault or lack of volunteers.”

Plans are already underway to rebuild the star and to buy a new generator through donations from the local community.

The tradition began in 1992 when community groups came together to display a Cross at Easter time on the mountain.

Years later the idea was put forward to light up Alum Mountain at Christmas time as well.

Both of these community icons which can be seen each from the Pacific Highway and are said to not only spread holiday cheer among locals but to passing motorists.

Donations to rebuild the star can be made at the Bulahdelah Post Office.