General News
29 September, 2022
Platypus Rising open
PLATYPUS Rising is a new source of pride for the residents of Skipton.
PLATYPUS Rising is a new source of pride for the residents of Skipton.
The four-metre-high sculpture was officially opened at Stewart Park this week.
Four aluminium platypuses swim upwards around reeds made of Corten steel which will organically develop a surface layer of corrosion from exposure to moisture and air.
Artist Mike Makatron designed the sculpture after meeting with residents and learning about what made the community tick.
He attended the official launch on Tuesday with representatives from the project steering group and Corangamite Shire Council.
Mr Makatron has a long-standing passion for botany and tries to represent native Australian flora and fauna throughout his work.
The project is divided into two parts with a mural already in place on the wall of the Mt Emu Café.
His mural includes eucalyptus leaves and florals that are found in the Skipton region, as well as the iconic platypus, and the sculpture reflects the reeds in the nearby creek.
“I am happy for people to make their own interpretations, but I was aiming to represent the dynamic, fluid movement of the animals who are so agile in their environment, as well as the smooth curves of the reeds,” Mr Makatron said.
He thanked the community for its support of the project.
“Thank you to the steering committee and the people of Skipton,” Mr Makatron said.
“I’m really happy with the outcome.”
North Ward councillor Nick Cole congratulated all involved in the project.
“It was an amazing project to be involved in,” he said.
“It’s an amazing piece of art. It looks stunning.”
Cr Cole said the project was a creditto Skipton.
GPG Australia, which manages the Berrybank wind farms, contributed $50,000 to the project.
GPG Australia local development, community and stakeholder engagement manager Haridian Fuentes Cabrera said the company was “happy to contribute to this great artist”.
“There will be a very good reason for travellers to stop and explore,” she said.
