City of Hobart update on Crowther plinth

Published on 23 December 2024

The City of Hobart has removed the box surrounding the Crowther plinth in Franklin Square and will complete the installation of temporary signage tomorrow (Tuesday), marking the end of phase three in the Crowther Reinterpreted project.

The plinth has been boarded up since May, following vandalism.

While some repairs have been made, further work by conservation experts is required to try to fully remove the spray paint in compliance with Tasmanian Heritage Council conditions.

These additional repair works, covered by insurance, will commence in the new year.

The final phase of the Crowther Reinterpreted project will involve commissioning and installing interpretive elements.

This stage will require planning approval before any permanent work begins.

More information on the Crowther Reinterpreted project can be found here.

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:

“This project is part of Council’s commitment to reconciliation with the Aboriginal community and providing a more honest narrative about what happened in Hobart’s colonial past.

“The temporary signage provides clear information about the reasons for the empty plinth, this history of this project and what’s going to happen next.

“When the next stage is complete, there will be a new creative installation that provides a range of interesting information for the public to understand more about our colonial past.

“A new installation will include information about the statue and reasons behind its removal, and also some broader relevant history.”