Bronze Bather sculpture stolen from Parkdale

The Bronze Bather statue by Anne Ross was stolen from outside the Parkdale Railway Station on  November 12, 2025. The statue and a companion piece, collectively the Windsong Sculptures,  were installed in December 2024 as part of the re-development of the Parkdale Station. 

Bronze Bather statue by Anne Ross

Image: https://baysidenews.com.au/2025/12/10/search-for-missing-statue-underway/

The artist Anne Ross, was interviewed for the Level Crossing Removal website and spoke about her inspiration for the pieces -
There are numerous symbols I included in the works, inspired by my research and personal experience of the local area.

The one-piece bathing suit and cap, worn by both figures references local international swimming champion Annette Kellerman, who moved to the area with her parents in 1902. She was one of the first women to wear a one-piece bathing suit, which was controversial at the time, and she advocated for a women’s right to wear a one-piece starting her own line of bathing suits, among many other successful pursuits.

There is also my interpretation of a miniature representation of the Shirley Burke Theatre ‘The Winter Garden’, to acknowledge the important work and time the former Mayor dedicated to shaping Parkdale. Shirley moved to Bethel Avenue in Parkdale with her parents in the early 1950s and became deeply involved in driving many community projects, serving as mayor in the 1960s – always acting with the community at heart.

The sculptures also feature boats, an obvious connection to the bay, as are the birds. The three birds may also be seen as representing flight into the future. There are five buildings included within one of the pieces. These may be viewed as the five original shops in Parkdale, the old bathing boxes, some stables or houses – all elements that are part of Parkdale’s past and present. And of course, the dog represents the beloved local Parkdale pet population.

All that remains of the Bronze Bather sculpture are  her feet. 

Image: Tim Richardson,  M.P., Facebook page from 13/11/2025

https://www.facebook.com/richardson4mordialloc

This is a very sad end for a delightful statue, the inspiration for which came from the local area. 

Should you have any information about Bronze Bather, contact the police or please leave a comment below or see 'Contact us' tab for anonymous emailing.

Should you actually possess the item and wish to return it its rightful owners or custodians, please contact us.

References

Introducing Parkdale Station's New Public Art, December 13, 2024. Level Crossing Removal Project website, read. 

New Artwork at Parkdale Station, January 10, 2025. Level Crossing Removal Project website, read.

Search for Missing Statue under way, The News, Bayside, December 10, 2025, read  

Anne Ross Artist and Sculptor https://www.anneross.com.au/

Not without Chomley sculpture at Gasworks Art Park

The City of Port Phillip issued this report on their Facebook page on November 27, 2023 -
Someone has stolen part of the bronze sculpture ‘Not Without Chomley’, by artist Anne Ross from the grounds at Gasworks Arts Park. The sculpture is part of the City of Port Phillip Collection, purchased as a gift to the people of South Melbourne in 1991. We are asking for any information on the whereabouts of the single standing dog, in the hope that it is returned.  The contact details for the City of Port Phillip can be found here 

The complete 'Not without Chomley' sculpture

Image: City of Port Phillip Facebook page

'Not without Chomley' sculpture, November 2023

Image: City of Port Phillip Facebook page

The Gasworks Arts Park was established on the site of the old South Melbourne (later the Metropolitan) Gas Company works. During May and June 1991 the GAS Outdoor sculpture exhibition was held at the park and 'Not without Chomley' was one of the sculptures created for this exhibition. 

A report in The Age in May 1991 noted the risk of potential vandalism -  showing sculpture in a public place has its difficulties - the artists have been rostered on site 24 house a day not to offer guided tours but to protect the works from vandals. The City of South Melbourne purchased 'Not without Chomley' in July 1991 and it was the first permanent installation in the Sculpture Park. 

Sadly a few months later Anne Ross' sculpture fell victim to vandals. The original sculpture was of cement fondu, which was all the artist could afford at the time; this was a fragile material and it was smashed with a sledge hammer. The City of South Melbourne had it recast in bronze and it has been on display and enjoyed by many for the past thirty years.

'Not without Chomley' is  now incomplete as the little dog has been stolen. If you have any information contact the City of Port Phillip, details here.

Good News

On September 16, 2025 the City of Port Phillip announced -

A familiar canine has returned to Gasworks Arts Park, with the second Chomley Dog replaced after being stolen in November 2023. ‘Not Without Chomley’ has now been restored to its original appearance, with the original artist, Anne Ross, commissioned to recreate the sculpture.
During the installation of the new Chomley Dog, the original 1991 handover and 1992 recasting commemorative plaques were uncovered.
Why are there two commemorative plaques?
In August 1991, the sculpture was installed as a gift to the people of South Melbourne, making it the first permanent sculpture at the park. (Unfortunately, it was destroyed by vandalism not long after being installed.)  In November 1992, a new and more durable bronze version was installed.
We warmly welcome the Chomley Dog back to Gasworks Arts Park

Sources

• City of Port Phillip Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cityofportphillip
• Grogan, Robert Gasworks to Gasworks: from an industrial complex to an Arts Park - https://www.gasworks.org.au/about-us/history
• Lancashire, Rebecca Sculptors out in the open -  The Age 22 May, 1991, p. 13
• https://www.gasworks.org.au/visit-us/public-sculptures/not-without-chomley
• Anne Ross Artist and Sculptor https://www.anneross.com.au/