Darwin council election signs stolen, damaged in raft of overnight vandalism attacks

A number of Darwin Mayoral council candidates have fallen victim to a wave of election poster destruction and theft that carries a maximum 14-year jail term. Read the details.

Corflutes are being stolen and vandalised all across the City of Darwin ahead of the 2025 Northern Territory local government elections. Picture: File

Mere hours after Amye Un finished hanging up her last few corflutes around Darwin, she noticed that some had already been vandalised; some of which, gone completely.

She said she had set out at about 9pm the night before to install all 50 of her corflutes around town – a task she only finished at 4.30am the following morning.

So when she discovered what had happened to a number of them not even a day after finishing, she said she felt “angry”.

Amye Un’s corflute was vandalised. Picture: Katie Hall

“This is hurting me, because these people are supposed to respect what we’ve done,” she said.

“Twenty two dollars for a corflute is not cheap – it’s very expensive – and they take it, for what?

“I’ve only made 50 corflutes because I do not have enough money.”

While corflute damage and vandalism is typical of every election – whether federal, local or Northern Territory – there are heavy penalties involved for those who are caught doing so.

Vandalism constitutes criminal damage to property and offenders could face a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment under the Criminal Code Act if caught.

Darwin Lord Mayoral candidate Peter Styles has had around 25 corflutes stolen

The NT News understands that Lord mayor hopefuls Sam Weston, Peter Styles and Edwin Joseph, as well as council hopeful Patrik Ralph, have also had their corflutes stolen or vandalised over the past few days.

Mr Styles said it was not fair that people were going around stealing or vandalising corflutes, and he hoped that the perpetrators would be dealt with.

“The other night we lost about 24 signs in 24 hours, and there’s another seven we found just a bit later,” he said.

“You’re looking at hundreds of dollars’ worth of corflutes … and it’s not just that; it also takes time to go ahead and put them up.

“I don’t think this is fair at all.”

Mr Styles also said he found it “very interesting” to see his signs disappear whenever they were put next to Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis’ in the northern suburbs.

Darwin councillor and lord mayor hopeful Sam Weston has fallen victim to corflute vandalism. Picture: Mad Snake Cafe Facebook

Other candidates such as Mr Weston found the funny side in some of the corflute dilemma, sharing his thoughts to social media.

“At first, I was annoyed. But then I looked again — and realised this is art,” the post said.

“Through defiance and a spray can, they’ve given me the chance to be Billy Idol – my childhood hero.”

A spokesperson for the NT Electoral Commission encouraged members of the community not to interfere with campaign materials displayed by candidates.

“Campaigning during elections is an important part of the election process, raising awareness about the election and providing an opportunity for candidates to promote their candidacy,” they said.

“Anyone who witnesses damage or theft of electoral signage is encouraged to report the matter to NT Police on 131 444.”

Originally published as Darwin council election signs stolen, damaged in raft of overnight vandalism attacks