The project, spearheaded by Axedale Our Town - Our Future as part of the Axedale Community Plan 2013-2016 launched in May last year, centres on rejuvenating the Axedale River Reserve.

Following extensive community consultation it was decided the Campaspe River was the township’s most significant natural asset and showcasing it should be made a priority. 

Group president Yvonne Wrigglesworth said the project was progressing well.

“We are about seven months in and it is going well," she said.

“Essentially Axedale Our Town – Our Future is focusing on rejuvenating the Axedale River Reserve.

“Already we saw the removal of the noxious willow which formed part of the Caring for the Campaspe project, co-ordinated by the North Central Catchment Management Authority with funding from the Victorian government.

“It opened up the reserve to reveal the natural beauty.

“The next stage was to extend the picnic and seating facilities. These were installed on the reserve last December and are really unique.

“The third part is the sculpture that is scheduled to be installed by July and is set to become a spectacular feature to visit.”

The group have also launched a mascot to be the face of Axedale.

 “There is an association between the platypus and Axedale,” she said.

“The Axedale Primary School has a platypus as part of the emblem.

“The platypus has a home here. We did some research into it and invited the Australian Platypus Conservancy to be involved.

“We thought having a mascot would be a good way to raise the profile; it is an awesome project and we wanted to bring people in.

“We had a competition to name the mascot and Axel was the best.

“The whole thing is about putting Axedale on the map and showing people that Axedale is something special.”