Panthers, flora and fauna could soon transform the Tooborac Recreation Reserve with input being sought on two mural designs.
Artist Eric Sesto grew up in Tooborac and has created several murals in Melbourne and overseas.
He approached Mitchell Shire Council with the idea and draft designs last year after returning to Tooborac from overseas during the COVID pandemic.
Following endorsement from the Tooborac Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, council is now seeking community input on the two designs, as well as two locations near Tooborac Mechanics Institute Hall – the toilet block and the water tank.
The designs feature Black Panthers who are rumoured to have roamed the hills from Puckapunyal Army Base as well as kangaroos, rosellas and native plants set amongst the iconic boulders of Tooborac.
Sesto attended Tooborac Primary School and graduated from The Kilmore International School in 2012.
He has painted public murals in more than six countries across central America, South America and Australia and hosted numerous exhibitions.
Sesto said he had wanted to paint a mural on the wall of the public toilets in Tooborac for many years.
“To my knowledge I am one of only a few mural artists from the Mitchell Shire,” he said.
“I am volunteering to paint this mural as it is a project of passion. I simply want to create a beautiful piece that celebrates the town.
“Obviously being someone from Tooborac, the project has gigantic sentimental value.
”Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said Tooborac was already a great tourist location and a mural had the potential to add another reason for people to visit and spend some time in the area.
“We are lucky to have someone like Eric who is willing give back to his community and share his talents to help make it a better place,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing what the community thinks and to working with Eric and the committee of management to refine the designs and explore funding opportunities for the mural.”
The survey closes on April 8. Surveys are available from the Tooborac General Store and at Engage Mitchell Shire.
Hard copies are also available from council’s customer and library service centre in Broadford, Kilmore, Seymour or Wallan or by calling 5734 6200.
