Mayor slams senseless act of vandalism

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin has condemned the acts of vandals after a statue and shade sail in the heart of Ayr’s library and theatre precinct were damaged earlier this month.

The artwork, titled Walking Forward, was built from recycled materials and depicts the figures of a man and woman with a child holding a library book.

On Saturday 15 June, vandals detached the metal arm of the woman and child, while in the Theatre forecourt two holes were burnt in one of the shade sails.

The act of vandalism has been labelled as ‘another unnecessary expense’ by Cr McLaughlin.

“One of my greatest frustrations is when Council has to spend money on repairs due to vandalism, so I was extremely disappointed to hear about the recent acts of vandalism in our cultural precinct,” Cr McLaughlin.

“Why anyone would want to damage a piece of public artwork or a shade structure, which were both installed for the benefit of our entire community, is beyond me. This is another unnecessary expense for Council.”

Vandalism has cost Council nearly $16,000 so far this year.

“There is a lot Council could do with $16,000 but unfortunately it had to be spent replacing statues, fixing shade sails, and removing graffiti.

“Particularly saddening is that this is not the first time this particular artwork has been targeted. It was damaged in a similar attack only weeks after its official unveiling back in 2017.”

Cr McLaughlin said CCTV footage had been provided to local police, and that anyone with information was encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.