Indigenous mural commissioned by Yarra Ranges council defaced by ‘some redneck’

A newly unveiled Indigenous mural has been defaced by racist “rednecks” at a popular park leaving the artist “shocked and disgusted”.

Recently completed Indigenous artwork on water tanks in Wandin East have been vandalised less than one month after completion. Photo: Supplied.

Vile “rednecks” are believed to be behind the racially motivated vandalism of Indigenous murals recently unveiled at a park in Melbourne’s outer east.

Vandals spray painted the word “No” and covered the faces of the Indigenous people depicted in the murals in silver paint at Wandin East Reserve

The murals by artist Amanda Wright were completed in December 2023.

The word “no” was painted across the mural in silver paint. Photo: Supplied.

The faces and eyes of the people depicted in the mural were also spray painted with silver paint. Photo: Supplied.

Wright said she was shocked and disgusted by the vandalism.

“I’m pretty angry that some redneck has graffitied the water tank I painted,” she said.

“I can’t believe it, I am so pissed off.

“I am pretty angry and you can tell it’s an adult who did it and not a kid.”

Yarra Ranges Mayor Sophie Todorov said the council had zero tolerance to all forms of racism, discrimination and vilification.

“We were all so disappointed to hear about this pointless damage to a beautiful piece of artwork,” she said.

“We know that the majority of our community support these artworks and we’ve had great feedback about them.”

The murals have been restored to their former glory before the vandalisation. Photo: Supplied.

Monbulk police are investigating the vandalism.

“It is understood the artwork on water tanks was damaged between January 26 to 28,” a police spokesperson.

“There is absolutely no place at all in our society for racist or hate-based symbols and behaviour.”

Yarra Ranges Council and the artist are outraged by the vandalism. Photo: Supplied.

The murals were commissioned by Yarra Ranges Council as part of a public art project along with several other tanks in the council region.

Anyone with information about the damage is urged to contact Monbulk Police.

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