Mural Sammy the seal by Father Marker at Safety Beach
Mural by local artist Tyson Savanah celebrating the life of Sammy the seal unveiled at Safety Beach. The mural is opposite the corner of Marine Drive and Tonkin Street, Safety Beach.
Sammy became a local icon earlier this year, drawn to the beaches between Rosebud and Mornington, with the Safety Beach boat ramp among his favourite resting spots. He gained national attention in April when he took a nap on Point Nepean Road near Anthony's Nose, closing the road to traffic in both directions for six hours. Sammy sadly passed away at Coral Cove, Mount Martha, on 12 May, prompting an outpouring of community affection, including a letter to Shire from the Everything Mornington Peninsula Facebook page that gathered more than 1,000 likes.
Tyson, who recently completed a Sammy the seal mural in Melbourne's Flinders Court, approached the Shire offering to donate his time and skills to create a similar artwork on the Peninsula. The Shire agreed to cover the costs of materials and identified a highly visible wall on the toilet block near the boat ramp.
Statement from artist: Tyson Savanah, Father Marker
I grew up on the Mornington Peninsula, so seeing seals along our coastline was always something special. Sammy wasn't just another seal—through his antics and the way the community embraced him, he became part of the Peninsula's story. When I painted the first tribute in Melbourne, I never expected the overwhelmingly positive response it received, but it was clear people wanted a lasting way to remember him. That's what inspired me to approach the Shire and donate my time to create this mural.
I wanted to imagine Sammy in a dreamlike, almost ethereal scene, as if he was happily swimming through seal heaven. He's surrounded by squid-like traffic cones, a playful nod to the many times he was found relaxing behind traffic cones on the foreshore or the highway. I hope the mural gives people a reason to smile, remember Sammy, and celebrate the joy he brought to our community.
Location
Corner of Marine Drive and Tonkin Street,
Safety Beach 3936
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-38.3148827,144.9905523
Corner of Marine Drive and Tonkin Street ,
Safety Beach 3936
Corner of Marine Drive and Tonkin Street ,
Safety Beach 3936
Mural Sammy the seal by Father Marker at Safety Beach