Captain Cook statue in Randwick vandalised ahead of Australia Day

A statue of Captain Cook in Sydney’s east has been vandalised for the second year with red paint splashed on the figure and parts of its face and hand destroyed.

A Captain Cook statue in Sydney’s east has been vandalised for the second year in a row, just days ahead of Australia Day.

Police were called to Belmore Rd in Randwick just after 8am where they found red paint splattered over the figure, and parts of its face and a hand broken off.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker slammed the attack, saying “Vandalism has no place in public discussion”.

“Randwick City Council condemns this act of vandalism of the heritage Captain Cook statue,” he said.

“Vandalism is an illegal act that does a disservice to progressing your cause, a disservice to the community and a disservice to reconciliation.

Council staff are actioning plans to clean and restore the statue.

It's the second year in a row the statue has been vandalised. Picture: Julian Andrews

Randwick City Councillor Andrew Hay also denounced the vandals, labelling them as “low lives.”

“Low lives in Randwick know no bounds, or have any reverence for great people of history, and will vandalise him to make a political point that he’s not directly related to,” Mr Hay said in a statement.

Fellow councillor Carolyn Martin also condemned the attack.

“I’m here with a council worker that looked after it last time when it was damaged, and just to restore it is such a big effort and expense, but that aside, we’re all just horrified,” Ms Martin told 2GB’s Ben Fordham.

NSW Premier Chris Minns vowed acts of vandalism would not be tolerated and perpetrators would find themselves behind bars.

“There is no tolerance for vandalism and we strongly condemn this attack,” Mr Minns said on Friday.

“National days are important for the state and for the country.

“The NSW Police are investigating and will identify and arrest those responsible.”

The damaged hand of the Captain Cook statue. Picture: Julian Andrews

The red paint splattered onto the statue. Picture: Julian Andrews

NSW Police confirmed they were investigating the incident and have established a crime scene.

“Police are working with Randwick Council to assist with the removal of the graffiti,” the statement read.

“As inquiries continue, anyone with information, CCTV and/or dashcam footage in relation to the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

“NSW Police encourages members of the public to report any suspicious behaviour around monuments and significant sights across the Australia Day Long Weekend.”

Randwick City Councillor gathered around the damaged structure. Picture: Julian Andrews.

It comes as the heads of two former Australian prime ministers have been decapitated and more than a dozen others damaged in Victoria’s northwest. About 20 statues in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens were damaged between 2am and 5am on Thursday, according to Victoria Police.

“The heads of two statues have been removed and stolen,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

“The name plates of the remaining statues have been covered in spray paint.”

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