Street art vs.vandalism
Published on 18 February 2025
Crescent Head’s beloved basketball courts have long been a place for our community to come together, shoot hoops, and enjoy an active lifestyle. But recently, the courts were painted without Council consent—turning what may have been intended as artistic expression into a safety hazard.
The newly painted surface is now dangerously slippery, and the court lines have been obscured, making it unsafe for players. As a result, Kempsey Shire Council has no choice but to temporarily close the facility until a contractor can remove the unauthorised paint and repaint the proper court markings.
While street art has its place in beautifying our towns, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it. When public assets are altered without approval, it can have unintended consequences—like making a once-safe basketball court unusable for the very people it was meant to serve.
Council’s Coordinator of Civic Services, Steve Pellen, expressed frustration over the situation.
“Council works tirelessly to provide well-maintained community assets that benefit everyone. It is incredibly disheartening when we must close these resources and spend additional funds to undo damage caused by vandalism.”
This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about safety and responsibility. Unauthorised alterations to public spaces can create hazards, incur additional costs, and take away important recreational areas from the community.
Kempsey Shire Council is committed to supporting the arts and encourages residents to work with us if they have creative ideas for public spaces. There are many ways to bring art into our community that celebrate creativity without jeopardising safety.
If you or someone you know wants to see an art installation in a public space, we urge you to reach out and follow the proper channels.
Vandalism is not tolerated in Kempsey Shire. Let’s work together to keep our shared spaces safe, functional, and welcoming for all. For more information call council on (02) 6566 3200.