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MAKERS of Bendigo's Crate Man have called it a day, leaving it to a new generation to build on their legacy.
A recent appearance at Lake Weeroona was the last crate-based activity scheduled by the most recent cohort of makers.
One of Cratey's anonymous assistants said they had hoped to entrust their secrets to a successor.
"But I haven't found anyone to pass it on to," they said.
Cratey almost appeared to be waving goodbye during his most recent appearance, lounging on a bench at the lake.
It was the first time he had been seen in almost a year, having previously supported Eaglehawk's scouting open day.
That was the second time Cratey was seen promoting local initiatives in two months. He enlisted the help of some crate friends to spell out 'Haha' along the Rosalind Park piazza last October, ahead of the Bendigo Comedy Festival.
Cratey's sense of humour was on show in April last year, around the time an 11-minute parody of popular cartoon show Rick and Morty set its sights on Bendigo.
But he has been known to take a stand on social justice and community issues.
Cratey appeared in front of the Bendigo Town Hall about the time unrest at the idea of the city's first mosque was peaking.
He also backed Bendigo's Discovery Science and Technology Centre when it was at risk of closing.
"We're hoping someone steps up and starts questioning what's happening in Bendigo in another way," an anonymous assistant said.
The most recent generation of makers was not the first, and Cratey's anonymous assistant hoped they would not be the last.
They said they and their friends had picked up the tradition and run with it, about a year after the previous generation of makers moved on. They hoped others would follow suit.
"It was only ever intended as a uni-based thing," they said.
The recycled recluse's friend managed to keep Cratey going for more than a year after graduating from university, but said it was becoming harder to maintain.
"I don't understand why people like it but it's given me and those involved a laugh," they said.
Crate Man through the ages
2014: The crate men milk it
2014: Crate Man moves on again
Emma D'Agostino
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
