Community spirit shines in collaborative creative project

A breathtaking new collaborative creative project, Buddina Ocean Chair, is the result of an extraordinary community effort involving more than 400 collaborators and 20,000 handmade tiles.

The ocean chair reflects the unique ecology, cultural history and community of Buddina at Pike Park, adjacent to Beach Access 229. The mosaic mural features poems stamped into clay tiles. 

Buddina Ocean Chair includes sound files that can be listened to from the Council’s website. These files include 16 poems written by Year 6 students, which cover four different themes: First Nations culture and history, Turtle Care 20 years, marine and dune conservation and beach safety.

The audio also includes a 20-year anniversary message by Turtle Care Sunshine Coast and a very special First Nations guided meditation by Kabi Kabi leader and Loreman Mack Muckan.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the mosaic mural was a reminder of the vibrant community we have here, one that thrived on creativity, collaboration and a shared love of the arts.

“The story behind this mural captures the spirit of our region’s passion for inclusivity,” Mayor Natoli said.

“It connects us to First Nations History and the unique environment that surrounds us - from migratory seabirds and turtles to the Kabi Kabi people’s deep understanding and connection to nature.

“As part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, we are proud to be united in our commitment to sustainability, conservation, and connection to Country.”

Cultural history

The meditation takes participants on a journey back in time to become part of the Kabi Kabi tribe, the original custodians of the land. There are also language tiles within the mosaic design, featuring 16 different Kabi Kabi words visitors can learn.

Local artist and project coordinator Gretchen Keelty said the layers showed the richness of our culture.

 “We have made the intangible, tangible,” Gretchen said.

“Creating an opportunity for locals and tourists to gain deeper understanding of our First Nations cultural history and our fragile local ecology.

“This is something incredibly special for the community to be proud of. 

“I have seen mosaics around the world, including Barcelona and I believe ours is the most magical, made up of exquisite, handmade pieces, telling our unique story.”

Hand made by students

The stunning stoneware mosaic tiles have been hand made by supported artists and professional sculptors from Monte Lupo Arts and 330 students from Buddina State School.

The tiles, which feature animals and plants endemic to the region that play important roles in the local ecosystem, have been designed to last using the highest quality stoneware clay and glazes.

The design not only serves an aesthetic purpose, but it is also intended to educate and inspire connection with the local environment.

“Something this exquisite and so special came together because all the contributors brought such different energy to the project, yet were so unified in creating something more beautiful than I could ever have imagined,” Gretchen said. 

“This is more than a mosaic, it's a legacy.”

Anti-graffiti solution

The mural was made possible through the generous support of Sunshine Coast Council and Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli.

“While the mural is visually stunning, it also offers a practical benefit: the mosaic surface is a proven anti-graffiti solution, ensuring its beauty is preserved for years to come,” Cr Natoli said.

“This is by far the best community art project I have ever been involved in, and so proud transforming a constantly graffitied coastal pathway chair and to bring this stunning art work to our community.

“The expected lifespan of the mural is between 50 and 100 years, potentially more.

“This means students will be able to bring their children and grandchildren, and maybe great grandchildren to come and see what they made when they were a student at Buddina State School.”

The mosaic mural, which spans approximately 18 square metres, was an immense undertaking led by local artist and project coordinator Gretchen Keelty with a core team including Mack Muckan from Undumbi Culture, Monte Lupo Arts, Buddina State School, Nick Grivas  from Liquid Lyrics, Roxanne McCarty O’Kane from Ignite & Write, Turtle Care Sunshine Coast and Dave Matthews from Podspot.