Vandalism of public statues has once again erupted as Australia Day approaches, with incidents of destruction reported across the country. The latest wave of attacks includes significant vandalism targeting statues of former Labor prime ministers Paul Keatings and Kevin Rudd, alongside the disfigurement of Captain Cook's statue, previously targeted multiple times.
According to reports, the heads of Keatings and Rudd were stolen from their pedestals at the Botanical Gardens in Ballarat, Victoria, and the remaining statues were left defaced with covered name plates and spray-painted. The City of Ballarat condemned the attacks, emphasizing the senseless nature of the vandalism. “This type of senseless damage is completely unacceptable,” the city stated. “It is not only extremely costly to our ratepayers and will divert money away from important Council services, but it detracts from Ballarat as a city.”
The distress caused by the actions of the vandals has prompted local police to call for public assistance. They are especially interested in speaking with anyone who might have witnessed suspicious behavior around the sites of vandalism. Authorities are hoping to deter such acts as the long weekend approaches.
Meanwhile, down in Sydney’s Randwick, the picturesque statue of Captain Cook faced its own violent outburst, discovered damaged and covered with red paint the previous Friday morning. Councillor Dr. Carolyn Martin described the state of the statue as “an absolute mess,” noting, “They’ve splattered paint all over it... and they’ve knocked his hand off and part of his face and nose. It’s absolutely disgraceful behaviour; we’re all absolutely horrified.”
This incident marks the second attack on the Captain Cook statue within 12 months, showcasing not only the frequency of such vandalism but also raising questions about their underlying motivations. Mayor Dylan Parker joined the chorus of local voices decrying the act, asserting, “Vandalism has no place in public discussion. [It] is an illegal act and does a disservice to progressing your cause, a disservice to the community and a disservice to reconciliation.”
The Randwick Council's swift response includes plans for repairs by specialized heritage stone professionals to restore the statue after previous acts had left their marks as well. Just last year, the same statue was splattered with red paint and stood as the subject of protests, with messages like “no pride in genocide” marked on its surface. Through their actions, the vandals appear to aim for visibility, even if it is shrouded by destruction.
Authorities are stepping up their focus on public monuments during the Australia Day long weekend, urging residents to report any suspicious activities. The costs associated with these acts of vandalism are significant, with police estimating damages exceeding $140,000 across the reported incidents. The stolen heads of the Ballarat statues and the defaced Captain Cook monument represent more than mere financial loss; they symbolize heightened tensions related to historical narratives and the treatment of Australia's Indigenous populations.
With Australia Day prompting widespread reflection on national identity and reconciliation with Indigenous communities, this vandalism casts shadows of controversy over celebrations, showcasing the complex interplay between heritage, history, and community protest. These incidents invite renewed dialogue about the statues themselves and their place within Australia's public spaces.
Local communities are urged to participate actively and resiliently, standing against vandalism and inappropriate protest methods. While manner of public discussion continues to evolve, vandalism, as seen through these incidents, does little but create divisions and distracts from meaningful conversation. Authorities are hopeful for community engagement to report suspicious activities over the holiday weekend, fostering both vigilance and protection for public monuments, as the nation prepares to commemorate its Australia Day.