platypus revealed

It was terrific to be part of the Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group's second Awesome Ornithorynkids day down at Belgrave Lake park. I had the great pleasure of unveiling a platypus mosaic, created by local artist Stephen Piggott, painted by local children at last year's Awesome Ornithorynkids day. Stephen generously donated the clay and paints, local woodwork sculptor Robbie Bast donated the frame while the Rowville Scouts ran the arts activity last year.

It's a great example of community coming together to create something beautiful that recognises the special place we live in, where we are lucky enough to have platypus in our local creeks.

The Rowville Scouts also assist the Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group in their weeding efforts by helping out in the ZigZag Road region of Belgrave South.

The day also included an unveiling of "Nature's Highrise Apartment Block". Constructed by local volunteer, Greg Coventry, the 'block' imitates a hollow tree and will be used as a tool to teach children and adults the value of tree hollows and their role in providing habitat for native animals. Greg did a great job with the construction, the whole installation was made out of offcuts and recycled materials, the 'log' was finished in bamboo, sourced from weeding in the Trestle Bridge section of Monbulk Creek.

Pictured left to right: Julianna De Graaf, Vicki Boyle and Cr Samantha Dunn. It was great to unveil this terrific learning tool, I look forward to seeing it around the shire.

Overall the day was a great success with many families coming out to join in activities and learn more about the platypus that inhabit Monbulk Creek. The Selby CFA did a roaring trade on the sausage sizzle, selling out and having to restock to meet demand. Congratulations to the Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group, it was a terrific event, they do a great job raising awareness of environmental issues.

You can find the Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group at Kallista Market (first Saturday of the month) where the volunteers are always happy to give you advice.