Mildura, a regional town in Victoria, is seeking to bring the controversial sculpture "Vault," also known as "Yellow Peril," back to its original home. Designed by Ron Robertson-Swann in 1980, the large yellow steel sculpture was installed in Melbourne's City Square in 1981 but faced immediate backlash from the public and media. The late Queen Elizabeth II even suggested it should be painted a different color. After just eight months, the sculpture was removed and is currently located outside the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank.

Mildura's tourism officials believe that relocating Vault would enhance the town's reputation as a cultural destination, which already features murals, laneways, coffee shops, and bars. Phil Stone, the general manager of strategy and growth for the Mildura Rural City Council, stated, "We believe Vault belongs back in Mildura and we want to see it looked after and get some support to bring it back to its proper home. Unless you ask, you don't get, right? So, we are intentionally trying to be a little provocative here."

If successful, Vault would be placed next to another sculpture by Robertson-Swann, "Beethoven," on the front lawn of the Mildura Arts Centre. Beethoven has been in Mildura for over 50 years and is one of 12 sculptures displayed at the center. Robertson-Swann supports the idea of reuniting the two sculptures, calling it a "meaningful tribute to their shared history."

Mildura's deputy mayor, Helen Healy, emphasized that the City of Melbourne has been informed of their intentions and that a fair offer has been made. "Mildura feeds Melbourne every day. Those trucks that deliver produce could easily return with a work of art. We have the community, the space, and the respect to give Vault the welcome it deserves," she said.

The campaign to bring Vault back is part of a broader initiative to position Mildura as a new arts and culture capital. This effort follows the Tropical North Victoria campaign, launched in August of the previous year, which aimed to boost tourism in the region by 5 percent annually for four years, generating over a billion dollars in economic benefits. Actor Shane Jacobson, who serves as Mildura's tourism ambassador, remarked, "If Melbourne won't give Vault the home it deserves, Mildura will. Let's not forget, Melbourne once stuffed it in a storage shed like an unwanted toy. We've got the space, the sunshine, and, frankly, the trucks are already waiting."

If Vault is successfully relocated, it would complement other art projects in the area, including the Trail of Lights and FOSO, which is set to open next year. The City of Melbourne has not commented on the proposal, but Lord Mayor Nick Reece has previously expressed his views on the sculpture, stating on social media, "Love it or hate it, Vault, which is its official name, is an iconic part of our city."