A cherished bronze sculpture that was brazenly stolen from a Gold Coast beach has been replaced with an identical replica, bringing relief to a community that was devastated by the theft six months ago. The original Sun Spirit sculpture, a 220-pound bronze artwork depicting a bikini-clad beachgoer, was created by renowned local artist Frank Miles and had become a beloved fixture on the Currumbin foreshore before it was stolen from its wooden platform in March.

The replacement sculpture came about through an extraordinary stroke of luck when a fan of the artwork spotted one of only three existing casts of the famous statue in a Sydney property listing on the Domain real estate website. The replica has been generously donated to the Gold Coast community by its owners, Annette and Brett Straatemeier, specifically for the SWELL Sculpture Festival, which begins on Friday.

The donation was made possible through a $50,000 fundraiser for the Starlight Children's Foundation, demonstrating the community's commitment to both art and charitable causes. Gold Coast City Councillor Gail O'Neill expressed the community's emotions about the entire ordeal, saying the theft of the original artwork shocked residents but the return of a replica has brought tremendous joy.

"Sun Spirit was a much-loved fixture on the Currumbin foreshore and we were all devastated when she was stolen," O'Neill explained. "We worked closely with the previous owner to ensure this edition was brought back to the Gold Coast." The council took responsibility for covering the costs of transporting the replica sculpture from New South Wales to the Gold Coast.

For artist Frank Miles, the theft was particularly heartbreaking as it was part of a series of crimes targeting his work. Miles revealed that three of his sculptures have been stolen and a fourth was damaged, making the recovery of this replica especially meaningful. "I created only three casts of this statue. Each one is unique, and to have one returned in such an extraordinary way feels like a small miracle," Miles said.

The Sun Spirit sculpture holds special significance in the Gold Coast's cultural history, as Miles first displayed the artwork as part of the inaugural SWELL Sculpture Festival in 2006. The piece was so well-received by both locals and visitors that the council eventually acquired the work, making it a permanent part of the beachfront landscape. The sculpture's return coincides perfectly with the festival that originally launched it into prominence, creating a full-circle moment for the community.

While the original stolen sculpture remains missing despite a nationwide search, the installation of the replica ensures that this iconic piece of public art will continue to be enjoyed by beachgoers and art enthusiasts. The replacement will be mounted in the exact same location where the original stood, maintaining the continuity of this beloved beachfront attraction that has become synonymous with the Gold Coast's vibrant arts scene.