Floyd is celebrated for her large-scale public sculptures that blend bold, graphic design with deep social and environmental commentary. This commissioned piece features a towering six-metre-tall magpie guarding her chicks, serving as both a landmark and a tribute to local ecology.
The artwork explores kinship and biodiversity, highlighting how magpies act as vital indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Developed through community consultation, the theme resonates with cyclists who shared vivid memories of the birds' iconic swooping behavior.
The Bowser to Tarrawingee section of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail section remains a premier destination for birdwatching, home to wrens, parrots, and of course, the inspiration for Floyd's work.
For those looking to explore the High Country a little further, a fourth member of the Magpie Family awaits discovery amidst the alpine scenery in Bright. Experience this unique intersection of contemporary art and the rugged Australian landscape.
Magpie Family is a part of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements Project, a project introducing a series of must-see moments designed to make the trail more engaging, accessible and shareable than ever before. The public art installations are part of a curated journey featuring world-class installations that celebrate local stories interpreted by Victorian artists.