Threatened Species Mural Unveiled at Macquarie Wambuul River
Published on 27 October 2025
Brightening up the Macquarie Wambuul River walkway is a brand-new mural created by local Wiradjuri artist Jessica Leffley, aka Bird Girl Creations.
Instigated as part of the Saving our Species program (SoS), operated by NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW), this art piece showcases threatened species native to the Central West, raising awareness of the beautiful flora and fauna we are lucky to live amongst.
Bathurst Mayor, Cr Robert Taylor, noted this artwork brings new life to the river walkway and highlights the important role our native species play.
“Completed in early October, this new mural is a beautiful addition to our region. Council was glad to assist by providing the ‘blank canvas’ of the showground wall adjacent to the Macquarie Wambuul River which now promotes the at-risk plants and animals that call our region home,” said Mayor Taylor.
NSW DCCEEW Threatened Species Officer, Alison Cowie, noted the SoS program is funding conservation actions in the Bathurst Region and surrounds, including community engagement to raise awareness of threatened species.
“We are proud to have worked with Wiradjuri artist Jessica Leffley through the SoS program to create a mural raising awareness of three threatened animals and a threatened plant local to the Bathurst Region. Thank you to Bathurst Regional Council for providing the perfect location for this piece.
“The species featured in the new mural are the Bathurst Grassland Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis mccartneyi), Granite Zieria (Zieria obcordata), Purple Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera), and the Booroolong Frog (Litoria booroolongensis),” commented Ms Cowie.
The artist behind the piece, Jessica Leffley stated the project serves as a platform to spotlight the region’s endangered native species, sparking positive engagement with passersby.
“It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside the Wambuul River and meet so many kind Bathurst locals who encouraged me along the way. I was fortunate to be introduced to Uncle Ian McArtney whom the Bathurst Grassland Earless Dragon, Tympanocryptis mccartneyi, was named after.
“Uncle Ian kindly shared his tale of having the lizard identified after seeing it throughout Bathurst as a child. I’m grateful that my art has connected with so many people and continues to inspire the work of conservationists who look out for our endangered species,” said Ms Leffley.
Next time you are down by the Macquarie Wambuul River, make sure you look out for the new mural and take in the incredible species on show.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer