Tower-ing changes to our region’s skyline

Published 11:20am 17 August 2020

The historic King Street Water Tower in Caboolture has joined the region’s growing gallery of public artwork through Unitywater’s Community Artwork Program.

For years, the tower had been a 25m grey mark on the Caboolture CBD skyline, but not any more.

It has been transformed and joins a collection including water towers at Kallangur, Bongaree and Woorim, Wamuran pump station and Ferny Hills reservoir.

The centrepieces of Caboolture’s colourful tower are giant images of a soldier and nurse in tribute to the Fernhill Village, which is now Bolton Clarke Fernhill aged care.

Artists from The Brightsiders painted the King St tower, as they have others in the region, tackling unusual obstacles along the way.

Tower top residents

“Given the history of the site, it’s no surprise that the community chose this theme (Anzac),” says Jordan Bruce from The Brightsiders, “It’s a fitting artwork to be in this location.

“We had some hiccups along the way – including falcons on top of the tower!

“We had to be really mindful of them to ensure we didn’t disturb them, and we had to erect scaffolding which we wouldn’t normally use.

“This was a huge challenge in terms of the perspective of the artwork and we could only see the whole artwork at the end of the painting process.”

The concept was created with Caboolture RSL, Bolton Clarke Fernhill aged care community and the local community with almost 3700 residents voting on the final designs.

Fitting memorial

Caboolture RSL President Bruce Miller is happy to see the area’s rich history in the mural.

“The land and original house that stood on the site next to the tower was donated to the RSL after World War II by war veteran James Newman,” he says.

“After some building upgrades, it was opened as a War Veterans Home on May 5, 1950. In recent years, the tower has been the location of the dawn service and marshalling area of the Anzac Day march.”

Unitywater Executive Manager Customer and Community Katherine Gee says the artwork program is about enlivening communities we live and work in.

“Often the inspiration for the artwork comes from the location, the heritage of the site and the locals who live and work here,” Katherine says.

“That is certainly the case with this Anzac-inspired mural which resonated strongly with Caboolture residents. I hope it will be celebrated and enjoyed for many years to come.”

At present there are no further artworks planned.

Towering achievements

King Street water tower: Caboolture, painted July 2020. Anzac-inspired mural adjacent to the former Fernhill Village which cared for returned veterans when it opened in the 1950s.

Wamuran pump station: Station St, painted April 2019. Design reflects the agricultural and rail history of Wamuran, a bright design that is a great addition to the community.

Bongaree water tower: Bribie Island, painted July 2018. This artwork, titled Another World’s Paradise depicts the thriving aquatic life that is unique to the area.

Woorim water tower: Bribie Island, painted July 2018. Artwork reflects the beach culture and the families living in the area.

Kallangur water tower: Curruthers Park, painted June 2017. Design symbolises the regeneration of Kallangur, highlighting the black cockatoo and signifying rain.

Ferny Hills reservoir: Hutton Road, painted June 2014. Artwork depicts the flora and fauna of this area.