Controversial Bondi mural defaced after receiving council support

The controversial Bondi mural is believed to have been vandalised not long after the local council voted for it to remain on the sea wall of the world-famous beach.

A controversial mural by artist Luke Cornish has been defaced at the iconic Bondi Beach in Sydney, Wednesday, August, 7, 2019. Source: AAP

Street artist Luke Cornish found out his controversial Bondi Beach mural, challenging Australia's asylum seeker detention system, had been painted over when he heard it on local radio Wednesday morning. 

“It wasn’t the best way to find out,” he told SBS News, a day after Bondi's local government voted in favour of the temporary mural staying.

“But I’ve been painting murals that cause discussions for 10 years, this certainly doesn’t stop me.”

The eight-metre long artwork featured a line of 24 Australian Border Force officers, depicted with the phrase "not welcome to Bondi" on the sea wall of the world-famous beach.

 

A controversial mural by artist Luke Cornish has been defaced at the iconic Bondi Beach in Sydney, Wednesday, August, 7, 2019 (AAP)

AAP

 

Mr Cornish said it was symbolic of the "24 suicides in Australian detention facilities since 2010".

A councillor in the area, Leon Goltsman, last week called for the mural to be removed, describing it as "politically motivated offensive propaganda likely to offend families and turn away visitors".

While many supported his views, others started a petition to keep it. It led to a fiery council debate, which was resolved last night.