Moama Echuca Botanic Gardens caretakers removed the ballerina statue from the water after it was taken down. Photo: Supplied.
On the evening of Wednesday, January 22 the Moama Echuca Botanic Gardens’ ‘La Belle Helene’ sculpture was subjected to vandalism.
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The sculpture which usually stands on an island among the walking paths was uprooted and dragged into the surrounding water.
It was found the by the gardens’ caretakers the following morning.
Member of the Friends of Moama Echuca Botanic Gardens Kron Nicholas said he was disappointed to hear the news.
“I’m dismayed by the wanton, mindless vandalism recently of the towns' ballerina statue in our Botanic Gardens,” he said.
“There is no upside or benefits to these acts against public property, but simply it creates a further lot of effort to re-establish what we have been so fond of seeing on our walks in the garden for the last seven years.”
David Maughan, Helen Choules and former Member for Murray Austin Evans standing in front of the ‘La Belle Helene’ when it was first installed.
Photo by
Vivienne Duck
The ‘La Belle Helene’ was created by artist David Maughan and was inspired by his wife and former ballerina, Helen Choules.
The sculpture is worth $80,000 and is one of only two that exist in Australia, the other housed at an art gallery in Melbourne.
A spokesperson for Murray River Council said they were taking measures to prevent future incidents.
“Police have been notified and have been investigating the incident,” they said.
“Council will now work with the Botanic Gardens volunteers to determine the best course of action to reinstall the statue. We will also look at options for future security measures prior to reinstatement.”
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