Two Historic Bronze Busts Stolen From Adelaide’s North Terrace

Two historic bronze busts have been stolen from North Terrace in Adelaide’s CBD, prompting a police investigation and renewed concern about metal theft across South Australia. The busts, commemorating suffragist Mary...

Two historic bronze busts have been stolen from North Terrace in Adelaide’s CBD, prompting a police investigation and renewed concern about metal theft across South Australia. The busts, commemorating suffragist Mary Lee and sculptor John Stuart Dowie, were removed from their plinths between June 26 and July 2, 2026. Police are reviewing available CCTV footage and appealing to the public for information that could help identify those responsible. The thefts have caused concern because the artworks are important pieces of Adelaide’s cultural and heritage landscape. Mary Lee was a prominent campaigner for women's rights and played an important role in South Australia's history. Her bronze bust was created by artist Patricia Moseley in 1994. The second stolen work commemorates John Stuart Dowie, a well-known South Australian sculptor. His bust was created by John Woffinden in 2006. Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith has described the thefts as vandalism and highlighted growing concerns about metal theft affecting public artworks, heritage plaques and other infrastructure around the city. Replacing historic bronze artworks can be expensive and difficult, particularly when the original pieces have significant cultural value. Authorities are therefore urging anyone who witnessed suspicious activity around North Terrace or has relevant CCTV or other footage to contact Crime Stoppers. The thefts come amid wider concerns about the increasing value of scrap metal and its impact on public infrastructure and cultural assets. South Australian authorities have already introduced tighter measures around the scrap-metal industry in an effort to reduce theft and make it harder for stolen metal to be sold. Police continue to investigate how the heavy bronze sculptures were removed from their locations and where they may have been taken. Members of the public are being encouraged to report any information that could assist investigators. The stolen busts are more than pieces of metal; they represent important figures in South Australia's cultural and social history. Their disappearance has therefore raised concerns about the protection of Adelaide's public heritage. Anyone with information about the thefts is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.