Wombat Bridge Mural

Jimmi Buscombe

This work was created in May 2018 as a practice for another piece commissioned by the Warrnambool City Council for “Little Liebig Street”.

Artist Jimmi Buscombe drew the wombat seemingly burrowing through the Otway Road rail overpass with chalk, and only intended for it to be temporary.

Phil Hoy, a former Warrnambool City Council graffiti removal contractor, liked the artwork so much that he applied an automotive clear coat to it, essentially making it permanent.

Jimmi, unaware of Phil’s actions, returned after two days to wash off the mural and much to his surprise, was unable to.

He eventually found out what had happened, and he shared a good laugh with Phil.

While Jimmi did not have permission to create the artwork, after explaining the situation to Council, they were more than happy to let the piece remain.

This story was first covered by ABC South West Victoria. The video they produced was watched more than 5 million times within a week of being published.