The statue of Queen Victoria has been reinstated at Eastern Park.
An extensive and careful restoration project was undertaken by specialists after it was targeted by vandals in March 2024.
Now, the bronze statue, which was originally installed in 1912, has an almost-new appearance.
It will be protected by enhanced security, including lighting and CCTV.
The project's cost was largely covered by insurance, and is part of the City's ongoing commitment to preserving our region's cultural heritage, as seen with the recent work to restore the Japanese Cranes in the Geelong Botanic Gardens and the bollard depicting the 'Early Geelong Footballer' on the Waterfront.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:
I want to recognise the work of City officers who are experts in their field.Restoring a statue that was over 100 years old was a challenging and considered process, and I want to congratulate everyone involved for the fantastic outcome.
We cannot tolerate vandalism in any form, and I'm pleased that we've been able to bring the statue back better than it was before.
Chair of the Safety, Graffiti and Regulation portfolio, Chris Burson:
Our organisation is home to an incredible collection of historical items, including statues throughout the municipality.The vandalism of this statue has prompted us to review all the security arrangements to ensure that the historical collection can be protected for all to enjoy for a long time to come.
