The play equipment is looking bare with witches hats replacing the removed slide, and bars cover the area where children would normally be getting ready to slip and slide down.

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Gunnedah Shire Council took to social media to bear the bad news to residents.

"This play equipment has only been operational since the end of May and we're already repairing a major component, which is of course at the cost to ratepayers," the council wrote.

"We've got plenty of great community organisations in town who could use some volunteers if there is anyone who has too much time on their hands.

"We vote for volunteering over vandalism."

Residents voiced their disbelief in response to the council's social media post, saying it was "disgusting" and "disappointing".

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