Seafarers Victoria: 105-year-old weathervane nicked from the roof of Melbourne hub

A 105-year-old device which helped people understand Melbourne’s weather has been stolen, devastating local seafarers.

A 105-year-old heritage-listed weather device has been nicked off the top of a Docklands building, leading to desperate pleas for its return.

Mission To Seafarers Victoria noticed its weathervane, made in the form of a copper sailing ship in 1917, was missing early on the morning of March 6.

The device allows people to understand the current weather and wind directions.

The group’s chief executive, Sue Dight, said the theft came after the group had noticed intruders making their way into the courtyards of their Flinders St base in recent days.

“One would expect it’s professionals (the alleged thief or thieves) because of the skill required to scale the roof,” Ms Dight.

“I’m totally baffled as to what use others (non-seafarers) would have for this iconic piece.”

The weathervane has been sitting on top of the roof since 1917 and was repaired and reinstalled in 2020 following a Heritage Victoria grant.

Ms Dight said the association’s small team and about 40 volunteers were “devastated” over the weathervane’s disappearance and they had reported it to police.

“It (the weathervane) symbolises the mission’s safe haven for the seafarers … it’s how seafarers have navigated for years,” she said.

“We’re trying to do whatever we can to find it.”

A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed officers were investigating the theft, which was believed to have taken place between 2am and 4am.

Anyone who spots the weathervane can contact the Seafarers Mission on 9629 7083 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.