A well-known feature of the CBD pavilion has come to an end with Bundaberg Regional Council confirming the community piano will not return after years of vandalism and misuse.
The most recent incident has left the piano beyond repair with keys removed, graffiti covering its surface and other major damage.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the piano had been well used and enjoyed by many in the community since it was first introduced in 2018 but the latest attack was not the first time it had been the target of vandalism.
“The piano has been a really nice addition to our CBD and it’s been great to see people stop, play and enjoy the space,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Unfortunately, since it was installed, the instrument has been damaged on a regular basis and the cost of repairing or replacing it has continued to fall back on ratepayers.”
The piano was originally introduced as part of a campaign to showcase the vibrant nature of the CBD.
After the first instrument was damaged beyond repair, it was replaced with a number of pianos generously donated by the community, allowing the initiative to continue.
Mayor Blackburn said Council had continued to make repairs and replacements after further damage occurred but it was no longer possible to keep up with the ongoing maintenance and replacement costs.
“We’ve been grateful for donated pianos in the past but even when the instrument itself is donated, the cost of repairs and ongoing maintenance is still significant,” she said.
“At this point, it’s no longer sustainable to continue replacing the piano.
“This was not a decision made lightly and it’s very disappointing that the actions of a few to vandalise what was a much-loved community asset has led to the initiative no longer being feasible to continue.”
Council will continue to explore other ways to support activity and vibrancy in the CBD while responsibly managing community assets.
Make it a mall, have buskers and open cafes like Adelaide. It’s brilliant!
What a disgrace that the piano has been disfigured and destroyed by unruly youth
There’s a huge amount of cameras in our CBD surly you could catch the people who vandilise things & fine them so they have to pay for the damages they cause.
If you stopped vandalizing things council would save money, businesses would save money, we might even get lower rates & more jobs out of the savings.
Agree with you Tom Bronsi, please release the video footage and name and shame the vandals.
It’s such a terrible pity that the irresponsible actions of a few cause such loss to the many. The Piano was clearly a popular feature of the CBD and it was such a pleasure to hear the tinkling of the keys when shopping there. You only have to look at the success of the ABC shoe “The Piano “ to get a gauge of the instrument’s popularity. It’s really a sad indictment of society that even though it was situated right in front of the Police Beat, it was still destroyed. I’m supporting the previous call to release the video footage and name and shame the individuals responsible. We can’t keep giving in to these vandals. The low standard we walk past and ignore is the standard we will stoop to. Stand up and be counted. Say no to tolerating this low act.
No CCTV?? That’s a shame. Would have been nice to catch the culprits.
Do you think a mall could host one? I’d imagine no one would vandlise something that was inside of Hinkler Central or Sugarland.