Secondary school students have helped bring an artist's work to life in Gladysdale as part of Council's Water Tank Art project.
Indigenous students from Upper Yarra Secondary College painted a Council-managed water tank throughout December, creating an artwork designed by Taungurung artist Graham Patterson.
Mr Patterson said painting is a way for him to stay connected to his culture.
"My great, great grandmother, Lydia Briggs, lived at Coranderrk Aboriginal Station...her daughter, Lizzie Edmunds, was my great grandmother," he said.
"I love painting to keep culture alive and paint the way I feel about being a Koorie person."
The tank artwork depicts the river blackfish and the short-finned eel, both species significant to the cultural and ecological life of the Yarra Ranges.
"Native fish species are threatened by the introduction of exotic fish species, overfishing, land clearing and the disturbance of river systems, including bushfires and snag removal," he said.
"Caring for Country includes caring for waterways, and the individual species that make up a living system."
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Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said the project is a significant collaboration between Mr Patterson, the college, The Garage Signshop, and Council.
"This Indigenous Tank Art Project has been running for many years, transforming water tanks on Council land into artistic landmarks that people may come across unexpectedly or travel to see," he said.
"To have Indigenous students from my Ward, from the fantastic Upper Yarra Secondary College, working on this project is a great display of community connection.
"For the students involved, this is an opportunity to gain experience under talented artists, see the industry up close, and perhaps spark a future career in the arts."
Mayor Child said steps towards reconciliation are being made through the artwork and stories.
"For Council, this is another step in our work towards Reconciliation, providing funding and space to showcase First Nations art, stories, culture, and history," he said.
"Thank you to these students for taking part, and to Graham for this incredible work."
The project was coordinated by Council with assistance from Murrup Biik Public Art, Upper Yarra Secondary College, and The Garage Signshop.
More information on the Water Tank artworks is available on the Yarra Ranges website.
