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Mount Gambier 'Blue Blob' Vandalism: A$2,000 Compensation, 60 Hours of Service

The court treated the stunt as a graffiti offense following identification via viral posts and CCTV.

Overview

  • Amelia Vanderhorst, 20, who pleaded guilty Tuesday to a graffiti charge, must pay A$2,000 in compensation and complete 60 hours of community service.
  • She stuck googly eyes to Cast in Blue, a public artwork in Mount Gambier valued at about A$136,000 and often nicknamed the Blue Blob.
  • CCTV footage and widely shared social media posts helped the City of Mount Gambier and police identify her after the November incident.
  • Police first estimated repair costs at under A$2,500, while later reports cite council spending of roughly A$3,000 to fix adhesive damage.
  • Her lawyer said heavy drinking and drug use contributed to her conduct, and she later canceled a crowdfunding bid and returned donations.