There have been numerous reports from visitors to the Gorge that children and teenagers were climbing and swinging on the installation, before the figure’s right shoulder ripped. 

However, Mona Foma executive director Lee Cumberlidge said they were confident the weather was to blame. 

“A structure the size of Man is engineered to withstand a significant degree of force,” he said. 

“Mona Foma does not believe that people swinging on the ropes was the cause of the damage.

“We believe damage to Man was caused by a strong and sudden wind gust. We will continue to work on repair planning and hope to have an update on that soon.

“This will take some time, and the repair process might be complex. 

“We love Man and will work to get him up and running again as soon as we can.”

Man is a creation of Launceston-based artist Amanda Parer. 

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