A memorial honouring Warrnambool’s original penguin protection maremma dogs Eudy and Tula is one step closer to reality.
Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell on Thursday used a speech in Victorian Parliament to highlight the contribution Eudy and Tula made in helping revive the Middle Island penguin colony over a 10-year period.
Ms Britnell raised a proposal for a mural tribute, painted by acclaimed Warrnambool artist Jimmi Buscombe, as a perfect way to immortalise Eudy and Tula and provide the South West Coast with another tourism avenue.
“I have had initial discussions with Jimmi who is very excited about the idea and the concept has the backing of a number of Warrnambool City councillors,” Ms Britnell said.
“We all agree a mural would be a wonderful way to tell the story of Eudy and Tula and highlight their contribution to guarding the penguin colony.
“Oddball was only on the island for a matter of weeks but she proved the program could work. And the movie really put the program, and south-west Victoria, on the world stage.
“But in reality, Eudy and Tula were the stars of the show.”
Former Warrnambool mayor Glenys Phillpot said Warrnambool was starting to establish a mural trail and a tribute for Eudy and Tula would add to that.
Mrs Phillpot, who was mayor when the maremma project launched, said people from throughout our region related to the story.
“It would be brilliant to have a lasting legacy for Eudy and Tula in the form of a mural, for locals and visitors to our region to enjoy,” she said.
Ms Britnell said she would love to see a mural somewhere in the Warrnambool breakwater precinct, giving locals and tourists another attraction along the popular area.
She has called on the Victorian Government to support the Warrnambool City Council in bringing the mural concept to life.
