Shane Fitzsimmons Erskineville mural defaced by graffiti vandals again

Vandals have once again targeted a mural dedicated to bushfire volunteers in an act that has been slammed as “disrespectful”.

A mural of former Rural Fire Service boss Shane Fitzsimmons has been defaced by vandals again overnight.

The mural was painted on bricks near Erskineville train station and unveiled as part of a Graffiti Removal Day campaign over a week ago.

It was vandalised almost immediately, prompting Transport for NSW to employ security guards to watch over it.

Overnight, new tags have emerged on the mural.

The latest graffiti painted over the mural. Picture: Joel Carrett

The word “Hoodoos” was sprayed across the artwork and a moustache was painted on Mr Fitzsimmons.

RFS spokesman Ben Shepherd told The Daily Telegraph it was disrespectful not only to the former commissioner but all the other volunteers who battled through the worst fire season on record.

“I think these people need to realise by doing this they’re not just having a go at the artist, or Shane, they’re also disrespecting the thousands of volunteers who worked around the clock to help protect the state from the worst fire season on record,” he said.

Watching over commuters at Erskineville … Picture: Joel Carrett

Street artist Sid Tapia painted the mural to pay tribute to Mr Fitzsimmons and the brave efforts of the RFS during the 2019-20 bushfires.

The devastating bushfires burned more than 18 million hectares, destroying more than 5900 buildings including 2800 homes. It is estimated three billion animals were killed.

Mr Fitzsimmons was recently awarded the 2021 NSW Australian of the Year and is currently employed as the head of resilience for the NSW government.

Speaking to reporters earlier in the month Police Minister David Elliott said he was disappointed by the vandalism.

“I don‘t understand how anyone feels threatened by a mural,” he said.

“This whole culture of vandalism and graffiti in this city is starting to get me down.