We are devastated to discover our newly installed Rakali sculpture has been stolen from the corner of Adam Street and River Street in Hindmarsh overnight.
Bolts have been removed from the base and the Rakali, which weighs 70kg, has been stolen. The removal would have required cutting through steel and concrete.
The sculpture was part of our $4.26m Hindmarsh Precinct Upgrade, with the cost of the sculpture close to $50k for the design and installation. The sculpture was created by artist Clancy Warner and was inspired by the River Torrens. Rakali are large native rodents who live within our river system, one of only two amphibious mammals found in our waterways. They were once on the brink of extinction but due to conservation efforts are now thriving.
“We believe Rakali has been stolen for its limited bronze material value. The value of Rakali is to our community, and we are incredibly disappointed this has been removed,” General Manager, Asset Management Services Adrian Ralph said.
“We would appreciate any information from the public to locate and return our Rakali. There would be minimal value selling it as scrap metal, but it means the world to us. Artist Clancy Warner, who is interstate installing another artwork, is obviously devastated by the news.”
If you have any information about Rakali, please contact SAPOL on 13 14 44.
City of Charles Sturt media contact - Kristie Johnson.
