Investigation launched over squashed Pobblebonk frog sculpture in Denmark

Denmark’s Pobblebonk frog sculpture has been trashed by vandals.

The piece was crafted by local artists and primary school students during the Brave New Works festival hosted by Denmark Arts in October.

Denmark police are investigating the incident that occurred near the Denmark Community Resource Centre and Denmark Arts building around November 1.

Officer-in-charge Sergeant Matt Hartfield said it appeared someone had “squashed” the sculpture.

He said police were working through CCTV footage of the area.

“We have been unable to see the sculpture at present because the person who made the sculpture has taken it back to try and fix it up,” he said.

“So we are only working off a photo that we have that unfortunately looks like someone has squashed or stepped on the sculpture.

“We are investigating the damage because the artwork is worth a little bit of money so we certainly want to try and get to the bottom of what’s happened.”

Sgt Hartfield said it was “disappointing” to see the community art piece damaged.

“It’s a very individual piece that some of the school kids helped to create. It was being used by the Denmark Arts,” he said.

“It is certainly disappointing, we don’t like any sort of damage or vandalism in Denmark.”

Local artists Carolena Grayson and Serena McLauchlan led workshops for community members and primary school students to help craft the sculpture during the Brave New Works festival.

Pobblebonk has since been removed and taken in for repairs.

The sculpture is expected to be fixed in time for the Blazing Swan Festival in Kulin next year.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Denmark Police on 9848 0500.