Platypus mural makes a splash

(Lefto to right) Werribee River Association riverkeeoper John Forrester, Community Bank Bacchus Marsh manager Ian Prince, Councillor Moira Berry, mural artist Lukas Kasper, Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance president Jodie Valpied, Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance secretary Natasha Evans, and deputy mayor Tonia Dudzik. (Provided)

Liam McNally

A mural that celebrates the wildlife of Werribee River, including its iconic platypus population has been unveiled in Bacchus Marsh.

The mural by Melbourne artist Lukas Kasper is at the Grant St entrance to Peppertree Park on the outside wall of the Bacchus Marsh Aquatic Centre, and is the first step on the Platypus Arts Trail.

The Platypus Arts Trail is a project set up by the Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance in collaboration with Moorabool Environment Group that will eventually contain a variety of murals and sculptures that celebrate special natural features of Bacchus Marsh and surrounds.

The mural was launched at an event with over 50 attendees including Moorabool deputy mayor Tonia Dudzik on Sunday, November 27.

The event included a variety of kids activities, and talks from Mr Kasper, and Australian Platypus Conservancy director Dr Geoff Williams.

Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance president Dr Jodie Valpied said the mural “brings the area alive”.

“People have said it makes them smile whenever they go past, it’s a lovely vibrant mural that has some great realistic depictions of the plants and animals included but also has abstract elements in it as well which are inspired by the colours and shapes of the local native plants that live along the river,” she said.

“It was a joyful event and lots of fun for everyone who attended and we really enjoyed the atmosphere and positivity of the event.

“We were really excited about the level of interest in the mural, and really pleased that so many people loved the mural and are interested in helping protect the platypus and other wildlife that live along the Werribee River in Bacchus Marsh.”