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26-MAY-2008

SI.jpg

Bronzed Aussie honour for Steve Irwin

A BRONZE statue of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin could soon be erected in his Melbourne birthplace.

A figure of the late Irwin clutching a croc is being fashioned by Melbourne sculptor Mitch Mitchell.

And it is hoped that the finished product will take pride of place in Moonee Ponds, where Irwin spent the first eight years of his life.

But $75,000 is needed to complete and place the sculpture.

Mitchell, who created the Landy-Clarke and Bob Rose statues in Melbourne's sports precinct, said Irwin's Melbourne heritage should be remembered.

"He deserves to be honoured because the amount he himself gave to Australia means he should not be forgotten," Mitchell said.

The Richmond artist had spent about three months working on the 2.7m clay form, which was now about 75 per cent complete.

Irwin's friend and manager, John Stainton, and the Irwin family have given the project their blessing, Mitchell said.

Irwin was born in Essendon in 1962, then attended the local primary school until 1970, when he moved with his parents to Queensland.

It is believed that the young Irwin's love of animals and the environment began while exploring Moonee Ponds Creek and the Maribyrnong River.

Irwin died in September 2006 when a stingray spine pierced his heart while he was snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.


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