Colourful new public art to celebrate Lake Colac’s natural beauty
Published on 09 November 2026
Renowned mural artist Hayden Dewar will transform a familiar Lake Colac foreshore feature, with the public toilet block to become a canvas for a vibrant piece of community art.
Hayden was selected to create the community mural through Council’s inaugural Public Art Expression of Interest process in May 2026.
A Melbourne based artist with more than 20 years’ experience, Hayden is known for colourful and imaginative large-scale murals inspired by nature, street-art, surrealism and comic books.
Council’s Manager Economy and Creative Industries Heidi Taylor said the public art project is an exciting addition to the Lake Colac foreshore.
“Lake Colac is a showcase for our region, this project is about adding another layer of colour, creativity and local identity to the foreshore.
“The artwork will transform a functional piece of infrastructure into a vibrant feature that reflects the beauty of its surroundings, creating something locals can be proud of and visitors can enjoy,” Ms Taylor said.
The Lake Colac mural has been designed specifically for the location, creating a continuous scene wrapping around all four walls of the building.
The artwork celebrates the natural environment of Lake Colac and the Colac Otway region featuring a Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo, Southern Brown Bandicoot, Koala and Latham’s Snipe. Eucalyptus and wattle will feature with local wildlife, along with Hayden’s signature guardians of nature, the Solarquins.
“Hayden’s design is fun, colourful and uniquely his own – most importantly, the artwork has been created specifically for this location and incorporates wildlife and plants connected to Lake Colac and the Colac Otway environment.
“A flowing line will weave its way through the artwork and around the building, visually connecting the wildlife, plants and Solarquins.
“The concept represents the exchange of positive energy between people and the world,” Ms Taylor said.
Hayden’s other public and commercial art includes projects for Councils across Melbourne as well as organisations like Tennis Australia, Victoria University, Yarra Trams, Red Cross and the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Works at the Lake Colac foreshore public toilet block are scheduled to commence Monday 9 November. The mural is expected to take around one to two weeks to complete.
Access to the ambulant/unisex toilet entrance may be restricted for a short time while that section of the building is painted. Other toilet facilities will remain accessible while the artist works around the building.