A stunning mural featuring three of the Hunter region's threatened species has been unveiled on the walls of Pokolbin Distillery.
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The 30-metre mural, painted by internationally-recognised artist Thomas Jackson, was completed on the Broke Road distillery in June.
It depicts the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot (both endangered birds), and the Pokolbin Mallee (a vulnerable species of eucalyptus tree that is only found in the Hunter Valley).
The mural is part of a new conservation partnership between NSW Government Saving our Species program, Hunter Local Land Services and the Pokolbin and Hunter distilleries.
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's Hunter Central Coast biodiversity and conservation senior team leader, Lucas Grenadier said the mural acknowledges the importance of conserving the unique biodiversity of the Hunter region.
"The Hunter region is one of the most species-rich regions in NSW and is home to an incredible array of rare native animals and plants," Mr Grenadier said.
"Sadly, the populations of woodland birds such as the Regent Honeyeater and the Swift Parrot, have been in decline over the last 30 years due to habitat loss and increased predation.
"The NSW Government Saving our Species program and Hunter Local Land Services have been actively working to secure the local population of these woodland birds, now and into the future."
Mr Grenadier said the mural is the first stage in the partnership, which will also see the distilleries used for environmental education activities including field days, tree plantings and threatened species research.
"We're so excited to have the Pokolbin and Hunter Distillery teams on board to help the community learn more about conserving the incredible native birds, plants and other animals that call the Hunter region home," Mr Grenadier said.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by the mural to learn more about threatened species conservation in the Hunter region, and share images from their visit to social media using #SavingOurSpecies.
The unveiling of the mural follows the recent release of 20 captive-bred Regent Honeyeaters in the Hunter Region, which aims to bolster the wild population of the birds and secure their future.
