A charming critter along the Benalla Lake footpath was flourishing with promise, only to mysteriously vanish without a trace.

On Sunday, May 11, the first mention of Rocky the Snake was uploaded to the Benalla Community Noticeboard Facebook group by creator Reesha Taurins.

Having recently moved in Benalla, Ms Taurins and her family were eager to join in with the town’s creative spirit by starting a little project for everyone in the community to enjoy.

And once the sign was set up and Rocky’s head crafted, a line of painted stones began trailing behind him.

“We had the idea to do the snake — in our dreams it would’ve went the whole way around the lake,” Ms Taurins said.

“Big ambition, but obviously he didn’t get that far, which was a bit disappointing.

“Everyone was super excited about it, and I think it made everyone smile.

“I think even when we went down to the lake, we’ve seen people walking past, they would stop and read and have a smile and keep going, you know.

“I think it was a nice thing to do.”

Heart of Art member and avid enjoyer of Rocky the Snake Greer Allen recently visited to contribute her own stone, only to discover the beloved serpent had slithered away.

“I thought it was a very cool idea,” she said.

“I’m not sure who started it, but it was posted to our local Facebook page.

“I came down here and added a rock to it.

“It’s a real shame (it’s been removed), I think lots of people were enjoying it.”

A Benalla Rural City Council spokesperson said it was not aware the snake was gone.

When Ms Taurins was asked if Rocky the Snake would make a comeback, the answer, for the meantime, was “I don’t know”.

“I think we put a lot of effort into making him the first time … maybe we will, maybe someone else will,” she said.

“Everyone has contributed to it, it’s amazing — it showed the spirit of Benalla that we’ve come to love, and everyone just sort of jumped in together, and starting a lovely project.

“I think it would’ve been nice to see him stick around, and maybe there will be ‘Rocky 2’.”

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Friday, 10th October 2025

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