Captain Cook Statue Vandalized Ahead of Australia Day, Sparks Outrage
In a shocking act of vandalism ahead of Australia Day 2025, the Captain James Cook statue in Sydney’s Randwick has been defaced for the second time in a year. The historic sandstone monument was splashed with red paint, and parts of its nose and hand were damaged. Discovered early Friday morning, the statue, located at the intersection of Belmore Road and Avoca Street, was described by locals as an “absolute mess.”
Randwick City Councillor Dr. Carolyn Martin expressed her horror, stating, “They’ve splattered paint all over it, and they’ve knocked his hand off and part of his face. It’s absolutely disgraceful behavior.” According to her, the vandals scaled a fence using a stepladder, which was left at the scene.
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The incident has sparked outrage in the community and prompted swift action by Randwick Council. Mayor Dylan Parker condemned the act, calling it illegal and counterproductive to public discourse. “Vandalism does a disservice to reconciliation, the community, and the heritage of this city,” he said. Council workers are already repairing the damage, but the process is expected to take weeks and will come at a significant cost to taxpayers.
This is not the first time the statue has been targeted. Last February, it suffered similar damage, and in 2020, the monument was defaced with messages of protest, including “no pride in genocide.” These repeated incidents have reignited debates about the place of colonial monuments in public spaces and their role in reflecting Australia’s complex history.
NSW Police have launched an investigation, seizing evidence from the site and calling on the public to report suspicious activity around monuments during the Australia Day long weekend. The police emphasized that such acts of vandalism not only harm public property but also hinder the opportunity for meaningful dialogue and reconciliation.
As Australia continues to grapple with its colonial past, incidents like this highlight the tensions surrounding historical symbols. While the statue of Captain Cook stands as a reminder of the nation’s history, its repeated defacement serves as a stark reflection of ongoing societal divisions. Let’s hope these acts spark dialogue, not destruction, moving forward.
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