Come meet our new platypus friends at Lerderderg Library

Published on 01 July 2025

Lerderderg library platypus.jpg

Lerderderg Library welcomes a paddle of platypuses, in the form of cardboard sculptures by artist Taro Iiayama. The Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance has loaned the artworks, as large as five metres long, to Council to celebrate our local platypus colony and encourage awareness of the activities, needs and habitats of these shy creatures.

Suspended above the heads of visitors to the library, the platypuses will be the subject of public programs in the future and will act as a draw card to young people and adults alike.

Artist Taro Iiyama was born in Tokyo, Japan, and has lived in Australia for over 20 years. His work often reflects his deep concerns for the environment. Taro Iiyama is interested in expanding the possibilities of making objects from common, mundane and recycled materials, that raise awareness of environmental subjects. He was inspired to create this platypus family in 2023 after becoming aware of their presence so close to human society, explaining:

"My intention for this installation is to highlight the beauty and joy of nature, focusing on the generally, unobserved underwater world. Many people are unaware that platypus live in our creeks and lakes. It is a very difficult to see this shy animal that lives in quiet places and is very affected by human activities, such as pollution, invasive species, algal growths, siltation and destruction of creek banks, all put their homes under increasing pressure."

The Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance is a local not-for-profit community association, run by volunteers. The Alliance formed in 2019, in response to new threats facing platypus populations in Bacchus Marsh. More information can be found on its website. www.platypusalliance.org.au

 

When:   From 1 July 2025 until further notice

Venue:  Lerderderg Library, 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh

Time:     Viewable Monday to Saturday, during Library opening hours

 

Tagged as: