Harris mural in Vic hardware store to go
A mural by Rolf Harris that has adorned the wall of a Melbourne hardware store for more than 20 years will now be painted over.
The long-time owner of Penhalluriack's Building Supplies has asked a survivor of sexual abuse to cover over the mural, at his Caulfield store, on Monday from midday.
"I have asked a victim to perform the obliteration using bright red paint," Frank Penhalluriack said in a statement on Sunday.
"I invite any others who have been affected by immoral behaviour to join in painting the wall.
"Some may prefer to undertake (this) away from the media spotlight, so I will make a can of paint available for any to use in private for the rest of the week."
He said the cover-up would remain as a reminder of the "horror of the way this man misused his power".
The mural depicts Harris's smiling head on the body of a kangaroo, which is carrying a can of paint.
The catch phrase "Trust British Paints - Sure Can!" is alongside and it is signed "Rolf Harris 1990".
Mr Penhalluriack said he considered removing the mural when Harris's trial got under way.
His conviction on multiple sex crimes, in which he targeted young girls, sealed the mural's fate.
"A jury of 12 of his peers has determined that Rolf Harris did not exercise his power over children and over women responsibly," Mr Penhalluriack said.
"Instead he treated them immorally, and, according to the judge, without remorse.
"His reputation, and his power, has gone (and) it is my intention to remove all signs of the man from my business."
Harris was sentenced on Friday to five years and nine months' jail for indecently assaulting four girls in Britain between 1968 and 1986.
