Amber Animals

Amber Animals located in Mt Pleasant

The Amber Animals located in Talunga Park. These photos were taken before the animals were restored. Pics clockwise from top left: The picnic area as it was, Blue Whale, Crocodile and Snake, close up of the Yabby’s face, the Yabby, Horsey Gator, Turtle, Crocodile.

Before…

After…

The restoration was carried out largely by John Bowd. Once he retired from his job as a builder, John seemed to always be looking for something to do, and when concerns were raised regarding the state of the Amber Animals, he was all over it. With come initial help from the Men’s Shed, John undertook all of the major restoration, with assistance from Peter Wilde. These animals have been a part of Talunga Park for decades, and many people can remember playing on them all those years ago. Thank you John, and Peter, and anyone who helped.

Restoration…

Above: The Horsey Gator in 2019 - before restoration.
Right: The restored Horsey Gator in 2023. Pictured from left are John Bowd, Peter Wilde and Councillor Don Barrett.

Above is a Crocodile spotted by eagle eyed staff at the Mount Pleasant Kindergarten. To the right is a Snake - located just out of Birdwood on private property. This was apparently formerly located at the Birdwood Primary School.

Do you know of any more of Rex’s creations? Drop us an email or call .

Amber Animals located in Birdwood

These either were or are still located in Birdwood Primary School. Clockwise from left - Green Crocodile, Grasshopper, Grasshopper and Blue Whale, Yellow Snake, Blue Snake, and we think - but aren’t sure - that this table and benches - which were located opposite the High School (in front of the Tennis Courts). It used to be a nice place to sit in the quiet - but they have been removed and we can’t find out where they went - the photo is from google earth around 2013.

This sunny Caterpillar is located in the Rex Amber Park - on Wegener Road.

Gumeracha - in the Hospital grounds

Rex Amber’s Legacy

The Rex Amber Walk - situated at the entrance to Old Talunga Park - behind the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall.

A Collage of many of Rex’s plans and ideas.

Ticket boxes and Bus Stops

Top are three views of the Ticket Box at the central entrance to Talunga Park. Some months ago (early 2025), it was hit by a vehicle and we are waiting for the Council to deal with it. The bottom photo is of the northern Ticket box. Rex had a whimsical view of the world and these are just two examples of his skill in making the ordinary extraordinary.

This article appeared some time ago in a newspaper

Are there any more?

Rex was fairly prolific in the amount of animals he produced. We already know of one other that is in private hands (see above), and if we could find someone with the skills to pick it up and restore it, that could also be rescued and given another ‘life’.

We are also still trying to find out what happened to the chairs and table that was located by the tennis courts, opposite the High School in Birdwood. If you have any ideas about the location of any more Amber creations, we’d love to hear about it.

Email or Text

The photo taken in 2023, and newspaper article supplied by Lyn Molinaro (daughter of Rex).

The Moth Table

Restoration

A few years ago, the animals appeared destined for the scrap heap. There were no friendly, local council workers to make sure the animals were maintained, and the current council didn’t know of the significance of these creatures to the town of Mt Pleasant. The Men’s Shed took an interest, and John Bowd (pictured below left) eventually took on the huge task of restoring and re-painting all the animals - and a few more that have been returned since this started. Peter Wilde (below right) also stepped up to help John, because not only did the animals need to be restored, but careful thought had to go into the placement, so that they would be protected as much as they could from the invariable winter dampness, and hot summer sun.

John Bowd (left) assisted by Peter Wilde, took on the job of restoring the animals and placing them with ‘feet’ so they wouldn’t deteriorate as quickly as previous.

and Re-dedication

The Amber clan at the re-dedication in 2023. You might notice that many family members are dressed as Swaggies- this is something Rex loved to do, and we think it was a fitting way to remember his quirky personality. His two daughters were on hand to unveil the new memorial.

But wait - there’s more!

Rex had lots of plans he wanted to implement, and he was meticulous when it came to what went where. It would be nice to think that one day, we can build the Nature Park he first thought of in the 80’s.