“Sparkly Bear? More like ‘Sadly Stolen Bear’,” the woman next to you mutters, shaking her head. Yes, here at Barkly Square shopping centre, a void remains where the beloved Sparkly Bear statue once greeted shoppers. This wasn’t just any bear. This life-sized brass sculpture depicted a bear, riding a tandem bike, radiating joy. It was installed in 2018, a commission from the centre’s owners to renowned Sydney-based sculptors Gillie and Marc Schattner. The artists, known for their whimsical animal sculptures, envisioned Sparkly Bear as a symbol of inclusivity, welcoming everyone to Barkly Square. Sadly, in September 2023, thieves with an angle grinder and a brazen plan made off with Sparkly Bear, leaving heartbroken locals and a $60,000 hole in the heart of Barkly Square. While the police investigation continues, the likelihood of Sparkly’s return remains dim. But the memory of this whimsical bear on his tandem bike lives on, a reminder that even in the face of loss, a little sparkle can leave a lasting impression.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs