AN unused water tower in the west Logan surburb of Boronia Heights will be transformed into a towering symbol of Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture by Crestmead artist Kyra Mancktelow.
The mural will adorn the water reservoir at Chester Park on Middle Road and tell the story of warriors from the Dreamtime to the present day.
Ms Mancktelow is a Quandamooka, Nughi woman of Moorgumpin – or Moreton Island – with links to Eulo and the Biri people of Bowen. She lives in Crestmead, grew up in Logan and studies fine art at university.
She said the mural’s warrior theme featured teachers, lawyers, police and members of the community who uphold justice for all.
“I wanted it to be about everyone in the community but I did have family members in mind when I designed the piece – such as my mum who’s a teacher,” Ms Mancktelow said.
“I used Logan City colours for the mural but I also incorporated some of my Quandamooka heritage by using some lighter colours.”
The water tower is the latest piece of Logan infrastructure to get the mural treatment. It follows Wineglass Water Tower’s transformation by night into twinkling light show and the installation of an ANZAC-themed mural near Greenbank RSL.
The final design was reached in consultation with the City of Logan, local elder Uncle Barry Watson and division seven councillor Laurie Smith.
“The mural will not only add a splash of colour to an otherwise unused fixture – it will tell the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander warriors from Dreamtime to the present day,” Cr Smith said.
“Kyra is a talented, well-respected local artist whose work is outstanding. I have no doubt that this mural will become a local landmark for years to come.”
The announcement continues Logan’s NAIDOC Week celebrations which launched this week with a flag raising and family fun day at Logan Gardens, Logan Central, attended by about 1000 people, bringing together mobs from Logan, Beaudesert and beyond.
Work will begin in September and conclude by late December.
Project funding was allocated from telecommunications infrastructure income received by the council for microwave installations on Wineglass Water Tower.