Vandals Sever, Steal Prime Ministers' Statues in Ballarat

In a shocking act of vandalism ahead of Australia Day, the heads of two bronze busts representing former Australian Prime Ministers Paul Keating and Kevin Rudd were stolen from the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, alongside damage to 18 other statues. The incidents occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on January 23, with police estimating the total damage could exceed $140,000. The City of Ballarat condemned the act as senseless, highlighting the financial burden on ratepayers and the hit to the city's reputation. The Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation expressed deep sadness over the vandalism, emphasizing the significance of Prime Ministers Avenue as a cherished community landmark since its opening in 1940. This incident adds to a troubling pattern of vandalism at the site, which has seen previous attacks on statues, including paint damage in 2021. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the incident to come forward.