‘Land back’: colonial monuments destroyed and vandalised in Melbourne’s Flagstaff gardens

The Guardian - World NewsEN 1 min read 100% complete by Stephanie ConveryJanuary 22, 2026 at 02:44 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

In Melbourne, Australia, two monuments in Flagstaff Gardens commemorating colonial history were vandalized overnight. The Pioneer Monument, an obelisk erected in 1871 to mark the first European burial ground, was pulled down and smashed. The incident occurred as January 26 approaches, a date observed as Australia Day but viewed by some as a day of mourning. Police suspect machinery was used to topple the monument. The vandalized monument was also daubed with the phrases "land back" and "death to Australia" in red paint. The vandalism is likely connected to ongoing debates surrounding Australia's colonial past and Indigenous land rights.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Police 40% January 26 50% Pioneer Monument 60% Flagstaff Gardens ×270% Australia ×380% Melbourne ×290%

Keywords

colonial monuments 90% land back 90% vandalism 80% colonial history 70% melbourne 70% flagstaff gardens 70% pioneer monument 60% 26 january 50% australia 50%