Birkdale stories brought to life with a brush of creativity

Wellington Point State High School students have developed a creative way to present the stories of Birkdale Community Precinct as part of Redland City Council’s pilot partnerships program for the site.

Mayor Karen Williams, who dropped in on one of the school’s Encore Art Program workshops this week, said the students were painting timber discs with images to reflect elements of the precinct’s history.

Wellington Point State High art teacher Tamara Beale, far left back, and Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, far right, with students at the Encore Art Program workshop.

“Birkdale Community Precinct is all about celebrating our past while providing for our future Redlanders, so to see our students involved in the project is very exciting,” Cr Williams said.

“They are using a diverse collection of timber that originated from across Birkdale, such as trees felled by storms and the like.

“The students took their artistic inspiration from a visit to the Willards Farm site last month, so there is a real connection with the site and the messages being shared.

“This artwork will eventually take pride of place on the precinct for the community to enjoy.”

Wellington Point State High’s Encore Art Program, under the direction of art teacher Tamara Beale, is one of nine groups developing projects for the Birkdale Community Partnerships Program who will present and test their ideas at the precinct Info Days on 27 and 28 May.

Of the groups, four are schools or youth groups.

“These young people have been taken through a visioning workshop to understand the opportunities at Birkdale Community Precinct and to develop their ideas for the site,” Cr Williams said. “What these groups have come up with is sensational.”

The other groups in the program are:

Bayside District Amateur Radio Society (interactive radio communications) Redland Bayside Child & Family Support Hub / Playgroup Qld (ecology-based activities) EcoUnity (observation tower proposal) Redland Museum (theatrical presentation) Rotary Club of Cleveland (recycling and sustainability) TRACTION (bicycle recycling and youth empowerment) Australian Industry Trade College (virtual reality in trade sector) Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club (fitness, recreation and celebrating Tingalpa Creek)

Their ideas will be on display at two public Info Days later on 27 and 28 May as part of the community consultation period for the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan which runs until 6 June, 2022. To have your say go to: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

DIARY NOTE:

Birkdale Community Precinct Info Days, 302 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, Friday, 27 May & Saturday, 28 May, 10am to 4pm both days. Entry via Jones Road. More details: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au