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Paying a Visit
Hard to believe a toilet block has become an artistic attraction worth going out of your way to see, but the public convenience at Bells Beach is certainly is that.
In 1996, the environmental group Surfers Appreciating the Natural Environment (SANE) approached the Surf Coast Shire with an idea for a mural on what was then an eye-sore at Bells. The mural would depict the environment and Koori history in the area and two local artists, Mark Trinham and Glen Romanis, leapt at the chance to showcase their work. The resulting mural transforms ugly into beautiful, via artwork representing significant and rare geographical features, flora, fauna and the surrounding sea life.
Among many images there are depictions of a menagerie of local wildlife, including the Rufous Bristlebird, Blue Fairy Wren, Echidna, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Southern Right Whale, moluscs, jelly fish, Common Sea Dragon, Peregrine Falcon, Fur Seal, Blue Ringed Octopus, Bent-Winged Bat, Fairy Penguins, Wedge Tailed Eagle, Bronze Whaler Shark, Wobbegong Shark, Abablone, Crayfish, Cushion Bush and coastal trees called Moonahs. As a Koori artist, Glen’s work shows local middens and the traditional dreamtime stories of the local Wathaurong tribe. These include an eel, a red bellied black snake and Mindii, a snake with a three pronged tongue which has the power of life and death.
The outstanding artwo rk of these two local artists helps inform visitors of the enduring Koori presence and beautiful environment in this special place.
