Gardens volunteers ‘devastated’ by vandalism to PMs’ Avenue

FOLLOWING an incident of mass vandalism at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens’ Prime Ministers Avenue of sculptures yesterday, the volunteer Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens have released a statement expressing their devastation and sadness.

On behalf of the group, president Julie Bradby said the removal of the bronze sculpted heads of Paul Keating and Kevin Rudd, and the damage made to many other busts and name plates with spray paint, was a “wanton act of desecration.”

“We believe the Prime Ministers Walk is an iconic national treasure that is actually a showcase of our Australian democracy in our beautiful gardens and to see it damaged in such a manner is hurtful and indeed shocking,” the statement said.

“Our thoughts are with the wonderful gardens staff who we know care and value all of the gardens, statues, plants, buildings and people.

“We thank them now as they diligently begin the long arduous process of cleaning and repairing the damage.

“Perhaps it is timely to implore the Federal Government to consider future funding of the Prime Ministers statues as a national treasure to help Ballarat protect and ensure its future and preserve its nationally significant legacy and story.”

Police are investigating.

The City of Ballarat has put out a public notice to gardens visitors.

“The Prime Ministers Avenue was vandalised with several statues extensively damaged,” the statement says.

“The City of Ballarat strongly condemns graffiti and vandalism of any kind.

“This type of senseless damage is completely unacceptable. It is not only extremely costly to our ratepayers and will divert money away from critical council services, but it detracts from Ballarat as a city.

“The damage in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens is now under investigation by Victoria Police.

“If anyone has any information in relation to this, we would encourage them to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Member for Ballarat and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the “vandalism is completely unacceptable.”

“The Prime Minister’s walk is iconic and a really important part of Ballarat’s history,” she said.

“It was money raised from our local community that established this statue walk, with fundraising beginning back in 1939. It’s an important place and I know there are people in our community who will be incredibly disappointed and heartbroken at this act.

“I would encourage anyone who has information about this crime to reach out to police.”