Captain Cook

Vandals Target Captain Cook and Queen Victoria Monuments in Melbourne Ahead of Australia Day

Vandals strike in Melbourne, sawing off Captain Cook's statue and splashing Queen Victoria's monument with red paint just before Australia Day. Police investigating the incidents.

In a series of brazen acts, vandals targeted historical monuments in Melbourne, defacing statues of Captain James Cook and Queen Victoria on the eve of Australia Day. The Captain Cook statue in St Kilda's Catani Gardens was found sawn off at the ankles, while the Queen Victoria monument was doused in red paint with messages like 'The colony will fall' sprayed across them. These acts of vandalism, believed to be in protest against the Australia Day date, have sparked outrage and concerns for the preservation of historical landmarks.

Police in Melbourne are actively investigating the incidents, which occurred overnight as the public woke up to the shocking scenes of the defaced monuments. The vandalism, aimed at colonial symbols, has raised questions about the significance and interpretation of historical figures like Captain Cook and Queen Victoria in modern Australia. The deliberate nature of the attacks and the timing just before Australia Day have added a contentious layer to the ongoing debate surrounding the celebration of the national holiday.

In the aftermath of the incidents, public discourse has been ignited regarding the representation of colonial history and the need to reassess the narratives around these statues. The targeted vandalism has prompted discussions about cultural heritage, Indigenous perspectives, and the role of historical figures in shaping national identity. As authorities work to restore the damaged monuments, the community is reflecting on the complexities of commemorating historical figures amidst evolving societal values and historical reckonings.

Interestingly, the Captain Cook monument sawn off at the ankles in Melbourne was originally unveiled in 1934 and has been a prominent landmark in the area for decades. On the other hand, the Queen Victoria monument vandalised with red paint stands as a symbol of the Victorian era's influence in Australia's history and architecture.