The story of a native butterfly's journey out of near extinction is being highlighted at an art display for the community to enjoy at The Substation in Newport.
Through Hobsons Bay Libraries' primary school Art Club, an array of student artwork is being exhibited to tell the story of the Altona skipper butterfly.
Flight of Hope: The skipper's return features pieces from students that used acrylic paint, watercolour, chalk pastel, charcoal, artists' ink, Casuarina branches, and reclaimed yarn to create their works.
The collection of works reflects both the beauty of the butterfly and the importance of caring for the plants and practices that support it.
The rare butterfly lives exclusively on chaffy saw-sedge, which grows in Hobsons Bay's wetlands at Truganina Park.
Council's conservation team has worked hard in recent years to cultivate chaffy saw-sedge in the park to assist in the Altona skipper butterfly's resurgence.
These themes of conservation thrive in the students' artwork, which aim to engage children, families and the broader community in valuing local biodiversity.
The art club is a program based out of the Newport Community Hub and gives young residents the chance to explore their creative side, while engaging with important themes like sustainability and the environment.
The display will be in place outside of The Substation until January 2026.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Daria Kellander:
"It is fantastic to see our young community members use their creative talents to promote some unique local fauna.
"Displays like these highlight the incredible natural landscapes we have here in Hobsons Bay, reminding our community how fortunate we are and how important it is to care for them.
"Congratulations to all the young artists on their works, I'm sure they will be enjoyed by everyone who visits The Substation."
