Stuart Town, Central West: Thieves steal popular Indigenous sculpture

A cast iron boomerang sculpture, designed to pay respect to First Nations people, has been stolen from a regional town in the state’s central west.

An ironbark Wiradjuri sign, used to pay respect to First Nations people, has been stolen from a regional town in the central west.

An ironbark Wiradjuri boomerang sculpture, used to pay respect to First Nations people, has been stolen from a regional town in the central west.

The metal sculpture located in Stuart Town, 33km south of Wellington, was stolen with only the concrete slab left behind.

Stuart Town Advancement Association president Marcus Hanney condemned the thief, calling it a “disrespectful” act.

The association rallied local residents to raise the funds to purchase the sculpture from a backyard artist four years ago – costing the association around $800.

“The sign was used to pay our respect for the country,” Mr Hanney said.

The sculpture was located near the ironbark log at the intersection of Burrendong Way and Bell St in a community reserve used to welcome people into the town.

Stuart Town, NSW.

Mr Hanney initially issued a plea to social media, telling the community the artwork is a “one-of-a-kind” piece.

He told The Dubbo News he has not contacted the police yet as he said if the sculpture gets returned soon, he “will not ask any questions”.

“Whoever stole it is going to be found out - it’s a one-of-a-kind piece so if it’s in someone’s backyard we’ll know,” Mr Hanney said.

“You can’t just buy this.”

Facebook commenters replied to the post condemning the act describing it as “disappointing” and “disrespectful”.