Another Captain Cook statue falls victim to vandals

In the early hours of Monday, February 26, yet another statue of Captain Cook met its demise in Melbourne.

The City of Melbourne reported that the act was captured on CCTV, revealing four individuals engaging in the alleged toppling of the statue at 3:45 am.

The obtained footage has been promptly handed over to Victoria Police for investigation, while the city council is evaluating the extent of the damage to determine the possibility of restoration.

A video shared on social media, posted by an anonymous activist account, showcased a person sawing at the statue’s ankles before it toppled.

This marks the third instance of a Captain Cook memorial being damaged in Melbourne this year.

The latest incident comes after it was announced that another statue of Captain Cook, previously vandalised on the eve of Australia Day, is set to be reinstated.

Melbourne’s Port Phillip Council recently reaffirmed its commitment to repair and reinstate the monument vandalised at St Kilda’s Jacka Boulevard in the early hours of January 25.

The incident saw the statue being sawn off at the ankles, with the stone plinth underneath defaced with red spray paint reading “The colony will fall.”

Local authorities launched an investigation into the criminal damage, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. The act has sparked outrage among the community, prompting discussions about the appropriate ways to express dissent in a democratic society.

Port Phillip Council Mayor Heather Cunsolo expressed her disappointment over the act of vandalism, acknowledging the complex perspectives surrounding Australia Day.

“We understand and acknowledge the complex and diverse views surrounding Australia Day,” she said in a statement.

“We can’t condone, however, the vandalism of a public asset where costs will be ultimately borne by ratepayers.”

-with AAP.