A mural depicting the majestic ground-dwelling Australian lyrebird has been created as part of a plan to create safer public spaces in Ferntree Gully.
Between The Gully Fish Shop and Fitness Foundry on Station Street, the new Lyrebird mural by artist Juzpop (Justine Millsom) was inspired by the iconic Welcome to Ferntree Gully sign on Burwood Highway.
Juzpop says the mural has become a talking point for the local community.
"It gives the community something to talk about," she says. "I had so much good feedback when I was painting, from all different ages and demographics. People have a sense of pride if it's their home and they've had this blank wall there for years and now suddenly there's an artist painting a mural. It's a special thing to be a part of and I feel very privileged to be able to do that and get to know so many of the locals while I'm doing it."
She came up with the design after deciding to go on a retreat in the Dandenong Ranges.
"I just needed to get away from the city and spend some time alone in nature," Juzpop says. "It was inspired from what I'd seen along my walking trails. I incorporated a lyrebird because it is like a mascot for Ferntree Gully, also found in the entry signage into the village.
"When I first saw them, they were almost like these mythical creatures - they were just magical. That became the hero piece. It's a magical depiction of the lyrebird in its environment. It's got pops of purple and teal and colours that you wouldn't necessarily see in the forest but you can still tell it's a forest."
The mural was created as part of the Ferntree Gully Creative Placemaking Plan. Under the plan, the parklet on the corner of Wyuna and Station streets has also been improved with a landscaped design, musical instruments, refreshed artwork, a picnic table and seating. A top priority for locals, as identified through consultation for the plan, was the development of more engaging, safe community gathering places.
The Ferntree Gully Creative Placemaking Plan is being delivered by Council in partnership with the Victorian Government. Council is contributing $130,000 towards the project and has received $110,000 from the Victorian Government's Living Local Fund Suburban Grants.
Follow this project at knox.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay
