Cap-tivating art

The project was made possible through a Creative City Grant from Greater Shepparton City Council.

These grants range from $1000 to $5000 and council says they are part of its commitment to culture, wellbeing and social connection.

The mural is now a striking feature along Wyndham St.

It is crafted from an estimated 23,000 recycled plastic bottle tops.

Any unused bottle tops are being recycled by Foott Waste into garden furniture, making sure nothing goes to waste.

FamilyCare collaborated with renowned local artist Tank on the project. He transformed everyday discarded materials into a textured, three-dimensional artwork.

The mural bursts with bright native flora and fauna.

Among the colourful creatures is one of Tank’s favourite subjects, the Australian blue wren.

This motif also featured in his recent mural at FoodShare.

“It was my first time using bottle caps as a medium, so it came with its own challenges,” Tank said.

“I loved how accessible it was, people of all abilities could contribute — young and old worked together.

“It is really great to use reused materials from the district.”

FamilyCare participants were actively involved in the mural’s creation.

They contributed to both the design and construction.

“This project reflects our commitment to creativity, inclusion and environmental sustainability,” project lead Katie Huddleston said.

“We are incredibly grateful to Greater Shepparton City Council for supporting a project that brings together art, sustainability and community pride.”

The artwork was mounted by Hire a Hubby’s Shane Treacy.

He said the mural’s layered design made it impossible to miss.

“It is really eye-catching, the fact that it is 3D just makes it jump out at you,” he said.

The mural also complements FamilyCare’s broader work in the community.

This Christmas, the organisation supported 230 families.

That means more than 600 children will have gifts to open on Christmas Day.