Famous Tiaro turtle comes out of its shell

Story: Gayel Airs. Photo: Hayden Whittle.

On the long stretch of Bruce Highway between Maryborough and Gympie, Tiaro is often the perfect rest stop for travellers seeking refreshments and stretching their legs. With this, the small township of Tiaro has flourished over the years as people from all over the country and world stop in, even for a pause.

After community consultation, it was highlighted that the township needed an interpretive artwork to add interest to Tiaro and contribute to the township's identity. In 2010, the Fraser Coast Regional Council commissioned Sunshine Coast artist, Cezary Stulgis to create a 1.5 metre sculpture of the Mary River Turtle.

Stulgis, an Australian-based Polish sculptor, painter and designer, had a proven track record, creating artworks that are on display in the Brisbane CBD. Stulgis’ initial sketches of the turtle suggested the utilisation of stainless steel, but after further consultation, bronze was chosen as the medium for the sculpture.

The ‘Tiaro Turtle’, now situated at the Visitor Information Centre, is a representation of the Mary River Turtle which has been on the endangered species list since the 1970’s and is largely due to the species not reaching breeding age until 25 years old, the loss of habitat due to the building of dams and the pillaging of eggs for the pet trade.

This interesting turtle which calls home in the nearby Mary River is one of several species of cloaca-breathing turtles, which breathe underwater using specialised glands in their reproductive organs. This allows individuals to remain submerged for up to 72 hours. Essentially, they are butt breathing turtles! A fact worthy of a giggle in the young and young at heart.
 

Artwork: Cezary Stulgis, Mary River Turtle 2011, bronze sculpture. Fraser Coast Regional Council Public Art Collection.