A controversy surrounding public art in Mount Gambier escalated this week as a local woman appeared in court following allegations that she vandalized the divisive sculpture, Cast in Blue. The artwork, which has polarized residents since its July unveiling, was allegedly targeted by 19-year-old Amelia Vanderhorst in September. She is charged with damaging property after reportedly affixing “googly eyes” to the vivid blue structure.
Appearing via telephone before the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Ms. Vanderhorst did not enter a plea, citing poor health. Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos advised the defendant to secure legal counsel before her next mention hearing scheduled for December. Police documents indicate that officers believe Ms. Vanderhorst acted with “reckless indifference” regarding potential harm to the civic installation. The estimated repair costs are reportedly less than A$2,500.
The Lightning Rod of Public Art
Known locally as the “Blue Blob,” Cast in Blue is situated next to the Cave Garden. The piece, intended to creatively represent mythical prehistoric megafauna indigenous to the region, is painted an unmistakable hue derived from Mount Gambier’s famous Blue Lake.
While intended to be a cultural centerpiece, the artwork has become a lightning rod for community frustration, largely due to its A$136,000 price tag. This expenditure, funded by the City of Mount Gambier, coincided with significant council rate hikes—a 10% increase in 2024 followed by an 8% rise in 2025—fueling public backlash against the project.
History of Incidents and Restoration
The alleged September incident is not the first time the sculpture has faced tampering since its installation. Within two weeks of its unveiling, reports emerged of missing paint chips. Despite providing CCTV footage to the South Australia Police (SA Police), no charges resulted from that initial damage.
The purported googly eyes incident occurred on September 13th, but two days later, on September 15th, council staff reported a separate incident where adhesive residue was left behind after stickers were peeled off the surface. Council staff determined that removing the sticky remnants would cause further damage, resulting in visible white marks resembling eyes. Restoration works were subsequently commissioned and undertaken later that month to repair the accumulated damage.
Seeking Restitution for Vandalism
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin has previously addressed the ongoing vandalism, emphasizing the council’s intention to pursue restitution from any individual found responsible for damaging the property. Mayor Martin acknowledged that public opinion on the art piece itself is divided, stating that not every resident needs to appreciate the work. However, she emphasized that deliberate acts of vandalism are unequivocally unacceptable.
The Mayor also noted that many residents have embraced the unique sculpture, warning that ongoing remedial work and repairs carry significant costs for the municipality. This legal action signals the local government’s firm stance on protecting public assets against deliberate damage, regardless of how controversial the artwork may be. The pending court date in December is expected to determine the legal consequences of this high-profile incident.