A longstanding kangaroo sculpture on Kangaroo Street has been beheaded in Manly over the weekend.

The stone statue has faithfully watched over the area since the mid-1800s. In early December, a keen-eyed local noticed the kangaroo’s head had changed direction, and now, some two months later, it has been beheaded completely.

This well-known Manly landmark was erected around 1856 as an added attraction for visitors to the area. Commissioned by Henry Gilbert Smith, widely regarded as the founder of modern Manly, it is believed the statue was carved from natural rock either by photographer Charles Pickering or by a stonemason named Youll, who worked on many of the major building projects of that time, including the Catholic Convent and the Steyne Hotel.

In 1879, the land in the vicinity of the kangaroo was transferred to Manly Municipal Council and officially proclaimed as a public park eight years later. Notably, the kangaroo was carved as it appears, without ears ( aside from a brief period when some ears were constructed for it, reportedly.)

A longstanding kangaroo sculpture on Kangaroo Street has been beheaded in Manly over the weekend.
A longstanding kangaroo sculpture on Kangaroo Street has been beheaded in Manly over the weekend.
A longstanding kangaroo sculpture on Kangaroo Street has been beheaded in Manly over the weekend.

The vandalism was observed by Manly Observer readers early on the weekend, with the remains of the head found shattered along the street. When asked for comment on the incident and any plans for repair, Council issued a statement on behalf of Mayor Sue Heins:

“I am outraged and deeply saddened by the senseless damage to the iconic 1858 Kangaroo statue in Manly over the weekend. The statue was commissioned by Henry Gilbert Smith in 1857 and has since been a much-loved treasure in our community’s shared memory of Manly and local built environment. Council staff inspected the site on the weekend and are bringing in specialists to advise if the artwork can be repaired.”

Kangaroo Street locals said a group of young people was seen near the statue on Friday evening, though there is no evidence they were responsible.

Northern Beaches Council said police have been advised of the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.