Grant used to clean up vandalism of Pro-Cathedral

25 Feb 2013

By Matthew Biddle

St John’s Pro-Cathedral in inner city Perth this week, stripped of much of its exterior surface and revealing original brickwork. PHOTO: Matthew Biddle

The extensive graffiti damage to St John’s Pro-Cathedral carried out earlier this month has been removed during work to strip the outside walls.

The work was specifically funded by the Lotterywest grant which was awarded to the Archdiocese of Perth last year for the Pro-Cathedral’s restoration.

As such, due to the nature of the work, the Archdiocese did not need to pay to have the graffiti removed separately.

Archdiocesan Finance Office staffer Theresa Carroll told The Record the grant was to be used solely on stripping the inside and outside walls, which simultaneously would remove the graffiti.

“The work performed would be within the scope of the grant, so it’s not an added burden to the Church,” she said.

“The graffiti work is quite fortuitous in that the grant allows us to take care of it at the same time.

“It’s happened at a good time if there is ever a good time for it to happen.”

Restorative work to the building commenced in October 2012, and now looks set for an earlier than expected finish.

The Lotterywest grant of $59,890 for the Pro-Cathedral’s restoration was approved by State Premier Colin Barnett in April 2012.