Platypus Alliance

Lukas Kasper created a very special mural for a great cause—advocating for healthy river systems to support the viability of platypus populations, as well as benefiting other native fauna and the local community. To start the process, Lukas collaborated with the Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance (BMPA), a not-for-profit community association, to put together a brief and general narrative they wanted to convey. The final mural design incorporated a range of local species, including the Platypus, Bacchus Marsh Wattle, Growling Grass Frog, Purple Crowned Lorikeet, Spotted Pardalote, Damselfly, and River Red Gum, all of which can be found along the Werribee River in Bacchus Marsh.

Coming from a background in working with animals, this project was particularly meaningful to Lukas. By combining his vibrant street art style with a story-driven approach, he created a unique mural that draws attention from afar, stands out from other nature murals, and conveys a narrative aimed at fostering appreciation for the local environment. Lukas considers this fusion of flora and fauna with traditional street art styling to be his favorite approach to public art.

The mural can be found at the swim centre next to Peppertree Park, where visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along this important river. To wrap up the project, there were artist talks and an information day where the public could learn about the local plants and wildlife. It was a wonderful experience for Lukas to help bring this vision to life in collaboration with the council and the Platypus Alliance team.