UPDATE: 5 January 2024. Amazing news! After being missing for over a week, Wally the Galah has been found! He has now been returned to his rightful home at the Lyell McEwin Cardiology waiting area. He seems largely undamaged. I am awaiting confirmation from staff as to whether or not we decide that he needs a new frame.
As distressing as this whole ordeal has been, I am grateful that he is intact. Thank you to the member of the public for reporting him.
Image from SA Police Facebook page: Happy staff and police officers standing with Wally the Galah in the Lyell McEwin Cardiology waiting room.
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One of my large original paintings was brazenly stolen from the Lyell McEwin Hospital on 28 December 2023!
As reported on SA Police news, a man was reported after an art theft in Elizabeth Vale last week.
"About 1pm Thursday 28 December a man entered the Lyell McEwin Hospital’s cardiology unit and stole a large painting of “Wally the Galah”. The man was captured on CCTV strapping the painting to the roof of his VZ Commodore and driving away.
Following an investigation, police attended and searched a Salisbury Heights home. A 38-year-old man from the address has been reported for theft and possess prohibited weapon after patrols allegedly located an extendable baton inside.
However the painting has NOT been located. Anyone who knows the where abouts of Wally the Galah is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report on line at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
Quote reference number: 334215
The man will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court at a later date."
A quote from me, as the artist: "If you have got Wally, please return him. The staff are upset, he brought both staff and patients a lot of joy"
Frustratingly, this is one of a handful of paintings that I do actually have the capability to run high quality reproduction prints of (up to 1m square). If you would like your own version of Wally, visit the following link. Other sizes available on request. Please note the reproduction prints do NOT have the metallic accents seen on the original. If this is important to you, please contact me for a quote on a 'limited series' where I will hand embellish your print (if you don't mind a detour through Brisbane!).
Don't steal art! Buy a print!
