Second Act of Vandalism Hits Beloved Canecutter Monument

A wave of sadness swept through the Hinchinbrook community last week after locals discovered the Canecutter Statue on Lannercost Street had been vandalised for a second time since its 2018 unveiling.

The statue was the vision of Mario Torrisi, who championed the idea of creating a tribute to the region’s proud sugar cane heritage more than seven years ago. Brought to life by Ingham Potters Club artists Fay Morris and Bob Britton, the statue has become a powerful symbol of a bygone era and a beloved landmark within the community.

“Ingham’s Canecutter’s Monument represents the blood, sweat and tears of many Australians and new immigrants who gave back-breaking labour to the Herbert Valley district to ensure the cane industry flourished,” wrote Mario’s daughter, Yolanda Torrisi.

The first incident of vandalism occurred in December 2020, when the statue’s hat was severely cracked—locals believed the damage was caused by a hammer or metal bar.

On 22 July this year, the monument was again senselessly damaged, prompting Yolanda to voice her heartbreak: “Vandalism chips away at the sense of pride and ownership that people feel about where they live… It sends a message not of power, but of disregard.”

Hundreds of locals rallied online to express their outrage and sadness, calling the act deeply disrespectful—not only to the history of the Hinchinbrook Shire, but to Mario’s legacy, the artists, and the many people who helped bring the statue to life.