A 19-year-old Mount Gambier woman has appeared in court for the first time accused of damaging the city's controversial Cast in Blue sculpture by sticking googly eyes on it.

Amelia Vanderhorst is charged with one count of damaging property over the incident, which allegedly occurred on September 13.

According to court documents, police allege Ms Vanderhorst was "recklessly indifferent" as to whether her conduct damaged the sculpture.

Police estimated the damage at less than $2,500.

Controversy over cost

The Cast in Blue sculpture received some public backlash over its appearance and because it cost the City of Mount Gambier $136,000 at the same time as rates increased by 10 per cent in 2024 and by 8 per cent in 2025.

The artwork is meant to represent a mythical version of the mega

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