Two historic monuments in Melbourne have been vandalised in what authorities have condemned as a serious act of destruction, just days before Australia Day. The Pioneer Monument in Flagstaff Gardens, erected in 1871, was found toppled and broken into pieces early on Thursday, with graffiti sprayed across its base. The nearby Separation Memorial, which marks Victoria’s separation from New South Wales, was also targeted but remained standing.
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan described the incident as a “disgrace”, stating: “Even on a day about love and unity, these people can’t help but introduce hate and destruction. The groups who continue to commit these crimes must face the full force of the law.” Police believe heavy equipment was used to pull down the Pioneer Monument, with the damage occurring between 10pm on Wednesday and 6am on Thursday.
Red triangles were painted on both monuments, a symbol that Deakin University extremism expert Josh Roose said has violent connotations, noting it has been used by Hamas in propaganda to designate targets. The City of Melbourne confirmed the Pioneer Monument, designed by Samuel Craven, honours early European settlers buried nearby, while the Separation Memorial was installed in 1950 to mark the centenary of Victoria’s colonial government.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece stated: “Defacing or damaging city assets in Melbourne will not – and cannot – be tolerated. We can have a debate about the future of statues and memorials, but we will never tolerate or reward vandalism.” The incidents come amid heightened tensions around Australia Day, which is celebrated by many but also known as “invasion day” by activists who view it as marking the beginning of Indigenous dispossession.
Last year, a statue of Captain James Cook was sawn off at the ankles and a statue of Queen Victoria was doused in red paint in similar attacks. Police have launched an investigation into the latest vandalism.
