Amber Animals

Amber Animals located in Mt Pleasant

The Amber Animals located in Talunga Park. These photos were taken before the animals were restored. Pics clockwise from top left: The picnic area as it was, Blue Whale, Crocodile and Snake, close up of the Yabby’s face, the Yabby, Horsey Gator, Turtle, Crocodile.

Above: The Horsey Gator in 2019 - before restoration.
Right: The restored Horsey Gator in 2023. Pictured from left are John Bowd, Peter Wilde and Councillor Don Barrett.

Above is a Crocodile spotted by eagle eyed staff at the Mount Pleasant Kindergarten. To the right is a Snake - located just out of Birdwood on private property. This was apparently formerly located at the Birdwood Primary School.

Amber Animals located in Birdwood

These either were or are still located in Birdwood Primary School. Clockwise from left - Green Crocodile, Grasshopper, Grasshopper and Blue Whale, Yellow Snake, Blue Snake, and we think - but aren’t sure - that this table and benches - which were located opposite the High School (in front of the Tennis Courts). It used to be a nice place to sit in the quiet - but they have been removed and we can’t find out where they went - the photo is from google earth around 2013.

This sunny Caterpillar is located in the Rex Amber Park - on Wegener Road.

Gumeracha - in the Hospital grounds

Rex Amber’s Legacy

The Rex Amber Walk - situated at the entrance to Old Talunga Park - behind the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall.

A Collage of many of Rex’s plans and ideas.

This article appeared some time ago in the Stock Journal

Ticket boxes and Bus Stops

Top are three views of the Ticket Box at the central entrance to Talunga Park. Some months ago (early 2025), it was hit by a vehicle and we are waiting for the Council to deal with it. The bottom photo is of the northern Ticket box. Rex had a whimsical view of the world and these are just two examples of his skill in making the ordinary extraordinary.

The photo taken in 2023, and newspaper article supplied by Lyn Molinaro (daughter of Rex).

The Moth Table

Restoration

A few years ago, the animals appeared destined for the scrap heap. There were no friendly, local council workers tomato sure the animals were maintained, and the current council didn’t know of the significance of these creatures to the town of Mt Pleasant. The Mens Shed took and interest, and John Bowd eventually took on the huge task of restoring and re-painting all the animals - and a few more that have been returned since this started. Peter Wilde also stepped up to help John, as it was a huge task. Not only did the animals need to be restored, but careful thought had to go into the replacement, so that they would be protected as much as they could from the invariable winter dampness, and hot summer sun.