By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
A MURAL of a platypus has been unveiled in Blacksmiths Way, Belgrave, to raise awareness of the health of the animal in the surrounding waterways.
The painting was completed by local street artist Jimmy Beattie in just three and a half days, working in conjunction with the Tiffaney Bishop Collective.
“It was a challenging project to work with such a weird composition and try to get all the elements in that needed to be in there,” he said.
“I’m really happy with how it’s turned out and all the colours and the composition blends really well with the surroundings.”
The project is part of the Communities for Platypus program which is funded by the Victoria State Government’s Litter Hotspot Program and hosted by Yarra Ranges Council.
The mural is designed to increase awareness of how street litter and pollution affect the local waterways and, in turn, the animals that live in them.
Matt de Boer of the Communities for Platypus program said initiatives like this were vital for the preservation of local wildlife.
“It’s about bringing awareness to where street litter ends up,” he said.
“Street litter in storm drains find its way to waterways, and that’s harming aquatic life, especially the Monbulk creek platypus population.”
Yarra Ranges Councillor Mike Clarke attended the unveiling of the mural, and said he was really excited to see community groups working together to improve the surrounding environment.
“It’s a fantastic project, and it’s so great to see people putting in this kind of effort for their community,” he said.
“The whole of Blacksmiths Way needs improving, and while there is some really great artwork here already, this is a great example of funding to send a message.
“It’s a very striking mural, and should get the message across.”
