Guided by Aboriginal artists Melinda Soloman and her son Chris Walker, participants created their own clay platypus sculptures while exploring texture, form and cultural storytelling inspired by one of Australia's most unique native animals and its river habitat. The workshop provided a meaningful opportunity to learn from First Nations artists while fostering a deeper appreciation of the landscape and the cultural significance of the waterways that sustain it.

The workshop was proudly supported by RiverConnect through the Platy Patch Project, a four-year statewide initiative jointly funded by the Australian Government, the Victorian Government and Melbourne Water. This partnership highlighted the important role that arts and environmental organisations can play together in encouraging community connection, environmental stewardship and creative engagement with the natural world.