Vandals Attack Captain Cook Statue Again in Randwick Ahead of Australia Day

Vandals have once again targeted the pristine statue of Captain Cook on the eve of Australia Day in Sydney's eastern suburbs, specifically in Randwick.

On Friday morning, residents were shocked to find the statue splashed with red paint overnight. The statue's overall structure also sustained major damage as the vandals cut off its hands, nose and sections of sandstone, leaving it partially disfigured.

Police responded to reports on Belmore Rd in Randwick just after 8am, where they discovered the damaged structure. Officers have confirmed that a number of items at the location have been seized and a crime scene has been established for further investigations.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton condemned the latest attack as an "outrage," stating, "0.1% of the population who would commit such an act (are) un-Australian, and they deserve the condemnation of 99.9% of Australians who are good people and celebrate who we are as a country."

Randwick City councillor Andrew Hay uploaded images from the scene on Facebook, labelling the vandals "low lives" trying to make a political point. "The Captain Cook Statue has been vandalised again," Mr Hay wrote. "They've broken the sandstone and cut off his hand and nose. Low lives in Randwick know no bounds, or have any reverence for great people of history."

This common act of protest has been carried out by vandals concurrently for the past few years and has garnered severe backlash from the public. Mayor of Randwick, Dylan Parker, said, "Vandalism has no place in public discussion. It does a disservice to progressing your cause, to the community and to reconciliation."

It is understood that council staff will clean up the mess and restore the damaged statue. Councillor Carolyn Martin also shared images of the statue on Facebook, condemning the attack and assuring residents that the council will ensure the much-respected statue is restored to its previous form.

Ms Martin stated, "My Liberal Team at Randwick Council ensured it was restored last time, even though the Greens wanted it removed altogether. We will make sure it is restored once again." She further mentioned to 2GB's Ben Fordham that the restoration will be a "big effort and expense."

Police are currently collaborating with Randwick Council to assist with the removal of the graffiti. As inquiries continue, anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage related to the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.