‘Appalling vandalism’: Giants of Mandurah sculpture destroyed in arson attack

A massive sculpture that only opened to the public a month ago has been destroyed in a fire, prompting the arson squad to investigate.

The arson squad is investigating the blaze. Picture: Facebook/Bree Bennett

A giant sculpture has burnt down just one month after the art installation opened in Western Australia, prompting a police investigation.

The massive four-metre sculpture, which is one of five Giants of Mandurah, was almost completely destroyed in the blaze that started about 11.30pm on Friday.

The arson squad and Mandurah detectives are investigating.

“Department of Emergency Services and police attended a fire at Coodanup Foreshore Reserve on Peel Parade,” police said in a statement on Saturday.

“DFES extinguished the fire, which caused extensive damage to a sculpture.

“The circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire are being investigated.”

All that remains of the sculpture. Picture: Facebook/Bree Bennett

Anyone with information — including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam vision of the area between 10.30pm and 1.30am — is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Minister for Culture and the Arts, and member for Mandurah David Templeman expressed his disappointment on social media.

“Just so unnecessary. These art works are for kids and families to enjoy, not to be destroyed,” he said.

“So very sad to see this appalling vandalism.”

Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, the Giants of Mandurah were launched on November 12 as an Australian first tourism project.

Dambo is famous for his wooden creations, which are made from recycled material and convey messages about conservation, environmental protection, and respect for nature.

The exhibition will be on display until November 2023.