By Kath Gannaway
A new mural in Warburton is sending a message that keeping the Yarra River clean and healthy is a responsibility for which everyone can take ownership.
The project, funded under the River to the Bay Program is a collaboration involving Yarra Ranges Council, DEWLP, Upper Yarra Secondary College and EEK (Environmental Education for Kids).
River to the Bay addresses litter which impacts on the river with a strong message that “only rain should enter our drains and stormwater systems”.
Julie Hanman, River to the Bay Facilitator with the Council engaged Warburton mosaic artist Sioux Dollman to work with Upper Yarra Secondary College’s Year 8 students to design and create the mural which was ‘christened’ on Tuesday, 24 July.
The mural has pride of place on the wall of the Warburton Bakery which has very strong local and tourist visitation.
“The intention of the project was to raise awareness of stormwater pollution, showing local young people the value of the river, both for ecological and recreation reasons,” Ms Hanman said.
She said the campaign involved education sessions delivered by EEK for all Year 8 students covering the inter-dependence of the platypus, its food and the health of the river.
“Students learnt what they as individuals can do to make a difference,” she said.
“This includes reusable water bottles, saying no to take-away coffee cups – they can’t be recycled, don’t litter and pick up after your dog.”
Students Amy Morris and Carla Cadie delivered a speech other student levels about the project and spoke at the launch.
“Rubbish that you drop, or dog poo that is not picked up, is carried by the wind and rain and ends up in the river where you fish and swim,” Carla said.
Amy spoke of the impact on the platypus saying “Because their eyes are closed they can get confused between what is rubbish and what is food. If they eat plastic, which they often do, it cannot break down in their stomachs and can cause their deaths.”
They said the project took four days to create, designing and cutting the glass and tiles to put together the mural under the direction of Sioux Dollman.
Carla said they incorporated symbols such as plastic cutlery, bottles, bags, straws and cans into the logo as a message that all these things are part of the problem.
Cr Jim Child thanked Ms Dollman and the students for what he said was a significant piece of art with an important message.
“What is really significant is how we are going to manage storm water and what effect that has on our streams,” he said.
“This is an absolute credit to you all.
