A bronze statue of William Crowther that was vandalised under the cover of darkness in Hobart’s Franklin Square earlier this year is undergoing repairs in Sydney.
The statue was cut off at the ankles in May, the night before the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) upheld the council’s decision to remove it.
Hobart City Council CEO Michael Stretton told Pulse that the repair costs, including those for the damaged plinth, are being covered through insurance.
“The City of Hobart confirms the Crowther Statue has been sent to Sydney for repairs after it was unable to be restored locally due to logistical reasons,” he said.
“The work is being carried out under the conditions set by and with the knowledge of the Tasmanian Heritage Council.”
The statue is expected to be back in Tasmania in the new year following about two months of restoration work.
“The statue arrived in Sydney in late November and is expected to be restored within eight weeks, excluding the Christmas period,” Stretton said.
“Where the statue will be housed in the future is still being worked through.”
According to those that led the appeal against its removal, which cost them $40,000 and the council about $148,000, the statue’s final location must be somewhere open to the public.
They have previously suggested it be located at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and ‘not hidden’ away in a shipping container.
In a brief statement, Tasmania Police told Pulse charges have not yet been laid.
“The police investigation is ongoing,” a spokesperson said.
They encouraged anyone with new information to come forward to them or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
