Local artwork rolled out across waste collection trucks
Published on 13 February 2025
Mount Alexander Shire Council is excited to roll out a series of local artworks printed on waste collection trucks.
The Eco Art Truck project features three artworks by Kirsten Moegerlein, Joe Pratt and Thea Sydes, that explore the sustainability theme ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’.
In late 2024, Council invited expressions of interest from local artists to create public artwork that would raise awareness of a circular economy and inspire sustainable living.
It was also a way to support emerging artists and offer an opportunity for them to flex their skills and practice large-scale, professional art.
“Council is proud to support local artists and promote sustainability,” said Mayor Rosie Annear.
“The three artworks are beautiful and colourful reminders of the importance of sustainable living.
“They also uniquely represent Mount Alexander Shire with images of local flora and fauna.
“Congratulations and well done to Kirsten, Joe and Thea!
“Keep an eye out for our Cleanaway trucks, they’ll be on their regular routes around the shire.
Council is committed to supporting public art across the shire. This includes the establishment of the Public Art Advisory Panel and the recent ‘Behind the scenes in public art’ community forum.
An upcoming project will involve a celebration of local women in art. Subscribe to www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/vote-celebrate-local-women-art for an upcoming exciting announcement.
Learn more about Council’s commitment to public art at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Public-art.
Learn more about the Eco Art Truck project at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Explore-the-shire/Our-creative-community/Public-art/Public-art-projects/Eco-Art-Truck-Project.
Meet the artists
Kirsten Moegerlein
Kirsten is an artist of Irish/German descent who lives and works in Yapeen. She loves to paint landscapes and make digital illustrations. She’s exhibited work locally at Artpuff, Castlemaine and in Melbourne. Making art is her way to connect with the natural world – a way to acknowledge and celebrate the beauty of Djaara Country. Through her creative practice, she works with change-makers, ethical organisations and artists who are re-enchanting ways of being, making and relating.
See more of her work on her Instagram page.
This digital artwork is inspired by the landscape of Djaara Country, where I live, and reflects a deep appreciation for the land shared by our community. Drawing from the vibrant colours of the rocks, trees, and the surrounding environment, I aim to capture the beauty and complexity that we all hold dear. By observing the natural world, we can learn valuable lessons about sustainability and the importance of reducing waste. My hope is that viewers will feel this connection and be reminded of the importance of cherishing and protecting the natural world for future generations.
Thea Sydes
Thea is a 16-year-old emerging artist who has lived on Djarra country in Muckleford for most of their life. Their art practice includes zines, painting and graphic design, drawing on the natural world and their own experience to communicate ideas about themself and the world around them.
As a young person growing up in turbulent and uncertain times, they use their art making as both a way to process their world and to communicate it to others. They are passionate about creating and caring for community, and are active as an organiser for young people, in particular queer and neurodivergent youth.
My artwork depicts a swift parrot in flight made fully of recycled materials. It includes many detailed elements look closely to see all the different things the bird is made out of. My idea was to give a platform to the endangered swift parrot species while showing the potential for creating art with recycled materials. I created the artwork on my iPad by first sketching out the bird and then filling it with all sorts of bits and bobs to create its final shape.
I have always been passionate about nature and looking after it. I have been involved with numerous school strike for climate actions both in Castlemaine and Naarm (Melbourne). I've co-organised and attended many tree planting and landcare activities. I helped organise the sustainable fashion parade with YAG and the good op shop. I hope this artwork will inspire people to reflect on the importance of taking care of our endangered species and inspire them to reuse and recycle to make their own artworks.
Joe Pratt
Joe is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist who harnesses childhood passion and professional stonemasonry skills to craft captivating works. Specialising in portraiture, Joe's commissions span traditional greyscale sketches to vibrant digital drawings. His stone sculptures, inspired by nature, feature intricately carved animals in natural boulders, gracing private gardens and public parklands. Notable works include a marble soldier for a War Memorial. With artistic flair and technical precision, Joe Pratt brings subjects to life, bridging realism and organic beauty.
I’ve created a playful cartoon scene where a young adventurer soars through the air on a recycling bin, clad in cardboard armour, accompanied by animal friends (including a tiny gecko sidekick!). This imaginative scenario showcases recycling as a key to a healthier planet. My idea was to illustrate the joy of exploring nature and the importance of environmental guardianship, highlighting the positive impact of recycling on our ecosystem.
I created this digital artwork using Procreate however in my wider artistic practice, I emphasise sustainability through re-purposed and upcycled materials. I craft sculptures from stone, depicting flora and fauna, and incorporate reused building materials into my projects. I strive for minimalism, recycling, and utilising the container deposit scheme.
As this artwork travels throughout our region on the truck, I hope it inspires viewers to consider the profound effects of recycling on our environment, fostering a healthier, happier coexistence for humans and animals alike.
Image: Kirsten Moegerlein in front of her artwork
Photograph by Craig Gaston