Born in Melbourne, Loved Everywhere

by Yan Dong

OZZ POSSUM was born in Melbourne — a city of rhythm, light, and endless stories. Here, art lives on every wall, laughter echoes through the laneways, and creativity flows like the Yarra River. It was in this city that a small possum, once seen on a lemon tree, found a new life in art.

Melbourne is a place that welcomes every voice — loud or quiet, wild or gentle. And so, OZZ POSSUM became part of that voice. It embodies the charm of this city: friendly, curious, and always a little playful. Through each drawing, it reminds us that even the smallest creature can belong to something bigger.

Every corner of Melbourne holds a memory of OZZ POSSUM’s journey.
At Federation Square, it dances among street performers, its soft tail brushing the wind as trams glide by.
At Flinders Street Station, it waves to travelers, eyes sparkling beneath the golden clock.
Through the Royal Botanic Gardens, it curls beneath a gum tree, surrounded by sunlight and the whisper of leaves.
And at St Kilda Beach, it chases seagulls, leaving tiny footprints in the sand that vanish with the tide.

Sometimes, OZZ POSSUM wanders through Chinatown, sniffing dumplings and lanterns glowing red above. Other days, it peeks through the stalls of Queen Victoria Market, curiously inspecting oranges, coffee beans, and souvenirs. It’s the kind of character that fits everywhere — not because it tries to belong, but because it simply brings warmth.

To many people, OZZ POSSUM is more than a drawing. It’s a feeling — that quiet joy of seeing something familiar yet new. It represents the part of Melbourne that’s creative but calm, energetic but kind. It reminds us that art doesn’t always shout; sometimes it just smiles.

The world beyond Melbourne has begun to notice too.
People from Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, and beyond have written to say that OZZ POSSUM reminds them of their own cities, their own small animals, their own childhood memories. That’s when I realized — OZZ POSSUM is no longer just my character. It’s everyone’s little companion, a soft ambassador of Melbourne’s heart.

When I see OZZ POSSUM printed on posters, turned into plush toys, or animated on screens, I still think of that quiet night in my yard — the lemon tree, the streetlight, and the small creature that started it all.
Melbourne gave birth to OZZ POSSUM.
The world gave it love.
And somewhere in between — art found its way home.