Perth Voice Interactive

VINCENT council says a public artwork celebrating an important Indigenous institution should be repaired in the “coming weeks” after it was targeted by a graffiti vandal.

The artwork in Weld Square is based on the little-known story of the Coolbaroo League Social Club, which formed in 1946 and offered Indigenous people an opportunity to gather at a time they were banned from entering Perth without a “native pass”.

The club operated in several locations, but its most familiar was on Newcastle Street, right on the border of the forbidden zone.

While it was a social club, it also had an important role in improving civil rights for Indigenous people who had limited access to health and education.

The name means magpie, and was chosen because it signified black and white coming together.

Adding to the artwork’s lack of gleam at the moment is staining from the bore water used to irrigate the square.

Acting Vincent CEO Peter Varris said they were aware of the graffiti and stains.

“We are working with contractors to clean the artworks, which will include removing the bore water stains and the graffiti,” Mr Varris said.

“As part of our graffiti removal service, we will remove tags as soon as they are reported.

“This work is in progress and should be complete in the coming weeks,” Mr Varris told the Voice.

by STEVE GRANT