Friday, December 6, 2024

Alpine Shire mural set to make a splash

Alpine Shire Council has collaborated with a talented artist to engage local young people to design and install an outdoor platypus mural under a local bridge.

Mayor, John Forsyth said the platypus is a unique and iconic part of Australia’s natural heritage. 

“The mural project aims to raise public awareness about the presence of platypus in waterways in the Alpine Shire, addressing threats posed by human actions, particularly litter entering these habitats,” he said. 

“Through this mural project, we hope to raise awareness about the need for the platypus’ conservation, ensuring it’s future is protected.” 

The platypus, a beloved Australian native, faces a conservation challenge with its status officially listed as ‘near threatened’. 

Mayor Forsyth said engaging our local young people in this creative endeavour brings a fresh and vibrant dimension to the platypus mural and allows them to foster a sense of ownership and pride in our Alpine community. 

“It is also an incredible opportunity for local young people to work alongside an established artist, creating professional connections in the industry,” he said 

To help inspire the mural’s design, Council is hosting a competition for young artists aged 14-18 years in the region.  

  • Participants are invited to submit a photo of their artwork depicting platypus conservation, which will serve as inspiration for the final mural design.  
  • In a short paragraph, contestants should explain why their artwork should be chosen to inspire the mural project. 

Four winners will be selected, and they will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with the established artist in installing the mural.  

Four artworks will be chosen as the inspiring designs. Each winner will receive a $50.00 award. 

The competition closes at 11.59 pm on Wednesday, 7 February 2024. 

The mural installation is scheduled to commence on 15 March and will take approximately three days to complete. 

The mural installation will utilise non-toxic, eco-friendly, and VOC-free products. This ensures the protection of waterways and the natural environment during application and over the mural’s lifespan. 

For further details about the competition and to submit your design, please visit engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/platypus-mural-competition-star-road-bridge

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