Janet Dore, City of Ballarat CEO has reacted to the senseless act of vandalism on two bronze Prime Ministers’ busts along the City’s Prime Minister’s Avenue in the Botanical Gardens.
The busts of former Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard were defaced with red paint and disrespectful messaging early Saturday morning, despite additional security in place.
“Our City does not condone any form of graffiti or vandalism on its public assets, regardless of people’s beliefs or rising public sentiment, and I am certain our residents will be equally as disgusted by these actions,” she said.
City of Ballarat staff have covered the statues and fenced off the area. A conservator will assess the damage on Monday.
The busts (currently 28) are displayed as bronze portraits mounted on polished granite pedestals and attract thousands of visitors annually.
Members of the public with any information are encouraged to contact Police.
