In Melbourne, Australia, local governments are against repairing a monument of British explorer James Cook due to concerns it would be vandalized again. The mayor, Stephen Jolly, stated that the decision to halt repairs is economically motivated, as fixing the monument repeatedly costs taxpayer money. Many view Cook’s memorial, which was damaged and tagged with phrases like “cooking the colony,” as a symbol of colonial oppression, particularly given Australia’s contentious history with Indigenous peoples.
Cook charted Australia’s East Coast in 1770, and his legacy is debated amidst the annual criticisms of Australia Day, which some call “invasion day.” Jolly’s council had voted unanimously to stop repairs, arguing that further efforts would be wasteful. In contrast, conservative opposition leader Brad Battin insisted that preserving such monuments is essential for remembering history.
Jolly also expressed skepticism about the desire for continued repairs, suggesting that those opposed to the monument would only vandalize it again. Meanwhile, the local Captain Cook Association is exploring options for preserving bronze plaques from the memorial and short-term placements for the monument in museums, as reactions continue to unfold regarding its removal.
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