Captain Cook statue in East Melbourne destroyed by vandals

A Captain Cook statue in Fitzroy Gardens has been sawn off by vandals, just weeks after two other statues were targeted in Melbourne.

A Captain Cook statue in Fitzroy Gardens has been cut off by vandals, just weeks after two other statues were targeted in Melbourne.

The statue, located near Cooks’ Cottage in East Melbourne, was understood to be found on the ground by residents on Monday morning.

Police are investigating after the statue at Cooks’ Cottage was cut down from its pedestal. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The statue was found on the ground by residents on Monday morning. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Victoria Police say they are investigating the “criminal damage”.

“Officers were told unknown offenders attended the Fitzroy Gardens in Wellington Parade between 5pm on (Sunday) and 7am on (Monday),” a police spokesperson said.

“It is understood the statue was damaged, causing it to fall to the ground.”

A video posted to an anonymous Instagram account shows masked vandals using an angle grinder to saw the statue off at its feet.

Masked vandals used an angle grinder to saw the statue off. Picture: Instagram

The video was posted to an anonymous social media account. Picture: Instagram

“Yet another monument to the imperialist James Cook has been felled in so-called Melbourne. Rumour has it that this was the last remaining Cook statue in the city,” the post reads.

“Monuments such as this only serve to prop up the narrative that enables so-called Australia’s continuing theft and desecration of land and life, and to legitimise its ongoing violence.

“The words ‘the colony will fall’ were painted beside the fallen statue – because we know the colony can, must, and will fall. The legacy of the imposter Australian empire is slowly but surely crumbling around us, piece by piece – brick by brick – statue by statue.”

The City of Melbourne will assess the damage and consider if it can be repaired.

It comes after other statues of Captain Cook and Queen Victoria were also vandalised on the eve of Australia Day last month.

The statue of Captain Cook in St Kilda was cut down. Picture: David Crosling

The statue was vandalised on the eve of Australia Day. Picture: David Crosling

The metal Captain Cook sculpture on Jacka Blvd, St Kilda, was cut from its stone base, with its plinth spray-painted with the words: “The colony will fall”.

The same sculpture was doused in red paint during an Australia Day protest in 2022.

Vandals also dumped pink paint on its head, scrawling “no pride” on its plinth in 2018, on the eve of Australia Day.

The sculpture was doused in red paint during an Australia Day protest in 2022. Picture: Tony Gough

The Herald Sun previously revealed in July last year the future of much-loved Melbourne tourism landmark Cooks’ Cottage was under a cloud.

It was understood the city council was reviewing the viability of the 18th century building.

The cottage, built by explorer Captain James Cook’s parents in 1755, was dismantled and transported to Melbourne in 1934.

The two-storey home has stood in the gardens, complete with an original fireplace, period furnishing and English-style garden in the 90 years since its reconstruction.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with information or CCTV is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au