A new mural by local artist Tyson Savanah now honours the life of Sammy the seal at Safety Beach.
Sammy became a local icon earlier this year, drawn to the beaches between Rosebud and Mornington, with the Safety Beach boat ramp among his favourite resting spots. He gained national attention in April when he took a nap on Point Nepean Road near Anthony's Nose, closing the road to traffic in both directions for six hours. Sammy sadly passed away at Coral Cove, Mount Martha, on 12 May, prompting an outpouring of community affection, including a letter to Shire from the Everything Mornington Peninsula Facebook page that gathered more than 1,000 likes.
Tyson, who recently completed a Sammy the seal mural in Melbourne's Flinders Court, approached the Shire offering to donate his time and skills to create a similar artwork on the Peninsula. The Shire agreed to cover the costs of materials and identified a highly visible wall on the toilet block near the boat ramp.
Mayor Stephen Batty said the mural is a fitting tribute to a seal who captured the hearts of the community.
"Sammy brought so much joy to people across the Peninsula, and it's clear from the response we received that the community wants a lasting way to remember him. We're grateful to Tyson for so generously offering his time and talent to create this artwork," Cr Batty said.
Ward Councillor Patrick Binyon said the mural gives the community a lasting place to remember Sammy.
"Sammy was such a familiar face around the boat ramp, and so many locals have fond memories of spotting him there. This mural means visitors and residents alike will always have a place to stop, reflect and smile when they think of him," Cr Binyon said.
Tyson has a growing reputation for street art that captures much-loved community figures and wanted his mural to capture the antics and playful character that made Sammy part of the Peninsula's story.
Street artist Tyson, known as Father Marker, said seals had always held a special place for him growing up on the Peninsula coastline. Sammy wasn't just another seal - his antics and the way the community embraced him made him part of the Peninsula's story, inspiring Tyson to approach the Shire and donate his time to create the mural.
"I wanted to imagine Sammy in a dreamlike scene, swimming through seal heaven, surrounded by squid-like traffic cones - a playful nod to the many times he was found relaxing behind traffic cones on the foreshore or the highway. I hope the mural gives people a reason to smile and celebrate the joy he brought to our community," Tyson said.
