The most recent Pam the Bird, painted on the eastern pylon of Melbourne's Bolte Bridge, could be the boldest yet. The alleged artist, Jack Gibson-Burrell, 22, is accused of forcing entry into a door at the base of the 120-metre pylon, climbing an internal staircase, and abseiling down to paint a white bird with an orange and green beak. He was arrested hours later on Tuesday morning after a significant police response and traffic disruptions.
Who Is Jack Gibson-Burrell?
Gibson-Burrell is on bail for over 200 other offences, mostly related to criminal damage via graffiti. He pleaded not guilty earlier this year and is set to face trial in the county court. Police describe Pam as a "distinct cartoon bird," often brightly colored and childlike, allegedly graffitied on Melbourne landmarks.
Pam's Proliferation Across Melbourne
While the Bolte Bridge bird is prominent, Pam's sheer number has caught attention. Other Pams have appeared on the Flinders Street clock tower, the 70-metre "cheese stick," the Novotel South Wharf facade, and the Nine building. These are cleaned off within days or hours, but many remain, especially in Melbourne's west. A large Pam on the heritage Uncle Toby's building in West Footscray was allegedly painted over two years ago. Another smaller Pam overlooks the spot in Seddon where Gibson-Burrell was arrested in early 2025.
Art or Vandalism?
The explosion of Pams since 2023 has sparked debate. Within Melbourne's graffiti scene, vandalism is the point—it is valued because it is illicit. A Melbourne graffiti veteran told Guardian Australia that Gibson-Burrell is a product of this culture but moved towards an emerging form valuing greater risks. The veteran noted that existing crews regularly break into rail sidings, surf trains, and flee from police, with multiple deaths from electrocution, train hits, or falls.
Controversy Within Graffiti Culture
Pam is controversial among crews, as it appears not to value private property as much as traditional 1990s graffiti culture. "I always had a strict rule of never doing someone's property, knowing of course that trains are not our property," the veteran said. However, he called public outcry hypocritical: "The government promotes graffiti and places like Hosier Lane for tourism, but then wants to put you in jail for the other half." He argued the two are intertwined, like banning community footy while supporting the AFL.
Social Media and Legal Troubles
Pam has gained prominence through social media. On Tuesday, a new Instagram account, @pambirdofficial, shared videos appearing from Gibson-Burrell atop the pillar with the hashtag #notcomingdown. One video shows a man saying, "I'm not coming down until they lower the taxes. Fucking sick of paying that shit." Another shows feet dangling and a zoom on police below, with the man "flipping the bird" and later requesting a blanket. This social media material may be used in court; Gibson-Burrell is accused of causing over $700,000 damage. He is yet to be charged for the Bolte Bridge incident and faces the county court on existing charges on 20 July.
