The Yaegl community in Maclean have been left shocked and hurt by the defacement of a mural celebrating a highly respected local Elder.
Uncle Ron Heron is a beloved member of the community, whose work maintaining and spreading traditional knowledge, amongst much else, saw the mural painted in his honour during NAIDOC Week.
However on Monday, less than a month after its creation, locals awoke to find the mural had been almost completely destroyed with white paint.
Traditional Owner Deirdre Randall, Uncle Ron's niece, said the wanton act was "disgraceful".
"It's disgusting... it's only been there a short while, and of a beautiful Elder too," she told NITV News.
"It has really upset the local mob."
A proud Yaegl woman, Ms Randall said news of the vandalism had reached Uncle Ron, and affected the Elder.
"He doesn't say a lot, he's a quiet man... He's upset and really disappointed," she said.
The original mural as it stood on River Street in Maclean. Source: Facebook: Debrah Novak
Scottish paintings 'don't get touched'
Yaegl woman Liz Mercy-Bushell is the manager of Nungera Cooperative in Maclean. She shared Ms Randall's disappointment at the mural's destruction.
"It was a shock for everybody to see that," she said.
"It's really disrespectful and sad. I'd hate to think what [Uncle Ron] would have thought."
Ms Mercy-Bushell also draw a comparison between the recent vandalism, and the so-called Maclean Tartan Power Poles. Initiated in the year 2000 in celebration of the Olympics, the project sees power poles painted in the traditional colours of different family tartans.
"Maclean is considered a Scottish, we have festivals every year with bagpipe players marching up the street," she told NITV News.
"From the beginning of town to the outskirts, the power poles are painted in the Scottish clan colours.
"They don't get touched."
Artist to re-do mural
Despite the disappointment at the vandalism, discussions are already underway between the mural's original artist and local Elders as to replacing the painting.
Clarence Valley Councillor Debrah Novak posted to Facebook saying that an unnamed donor had come forward to sponsor the artist, Austin AKA 'NITSUA'.
While the move has been welcomed, the act has still left a deep sense of hurt in the community.
"We're worried it will happen again. Maybe we need some security or cameras," said Ms Randall.
The mural was painted on Maclean's River Street, repurposing the old pump station, in recognition of the many years of tireless advocacy undertaken by the highly accomplished Elder.
He is an anthropologist, historian and former university lecturer who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters in 2014 from Macquarie University.
"[Uncle Ron] is celebrated amongst local mob, but the general public need to be aware too," said Ms Randall.
"Unfortunately, racism exists all over the place. You're always gonna get some idiots."
