A culturally significant public artwork, installed on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) in 2019, was recently repaired by Redland City Council after sustaining damage over time.
The work, Mirriginpah – Sea Eagle Law at Cabarita Park, Amity (Pulan Pulan), features an eagle soaring over a school of three dolphins.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said the artwork and place marker by Quandamooka artist Belinda Close symbolised the cultural importance of Mirriginpah (the sea eagle) to the Quandamooka People.
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“The sculpture depicts the sea eagle soaring high above the waters of Moreton Bay in search of food, alerting the Quandamooka People to the annual arrival of mullet,” the Mayor said.
“This story provides a unique insight into a connection between people and place that extends more than 21,000 years.
“Unfortunately, the work had sustained damage to the noses of three dolphins and one fin since its installation in December 2019.
“It has now been expertly repaired, ready to be enjoyed by the community during National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) and beyond, ensuring this beautiful representation of Quandamooka culture and history will continue to be a memorable attraction for visitors to the island.
“National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for everyone to explore the rich Indigenous history on Redlands Coast and, in keeping with this year’s theme of ‘Bridging Now to Next’, to look ahead and use past lessons to guide us forward.”
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the innovative repairs to the sculpture were undertaken by the public art consultants who were engaged in the original planning and delivery of the work.
“These repairs involved modelling new noses and a fin using 3D printing technology with carbon fibre reinforced nylon and installing them with stainless steel rods into the existing artworks,” Cr Mitchell said.
“The dolphins were then resurfaced and painted with a grey tinted protective coating, followed by pressure washing of the completed artworks and ground works, and installation of a replacement light as per the original specifications.
“I am pleased this stunning artwork has been restored and will continue to promote awareness of Quandamooka Country on Redlands Coast.”
As part of National Reconciliation Week, Redland City Council is partnering with Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Deadly Choices and Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health for the 2025 Hostplus Cup Indigenous recognition match on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) on Saturday 31 May at 2pm.
The annual event at Ron Stark Oval in Dunwich includes a match between the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Central Queensland Capras, rugby league and community health clinics, and market stalls.
Redland City Council has supported the event with $15,000 in sponsorship and $1500 in Quandamooka Cultural Awareness Funding.
Other Council activities to mark National Reconciliation Week include displays at Redland City libraries and the promotion of First Nations authors in its collection.
Capalaba Library also hosted an event on the weekend before the week, with Renata Jayne using songs, storytelling and visuals to bring to life the rich cultures of First Nations people and the changes that have shaped Australia.
The current exhibition at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland, Wildflowering by Design, includes works by First Nations artists Sonja Carmichael, a Ngugi woman belonging to the Quandamooka people from Moorgumpin (Moreton Island) and Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island); Dr Rose Barrowcliffe, a Butchulla-Wonamutta researcher and artist based on Gubbi Gubbi Country (Sunshine Coast) and Nai Nai Bird, a Butchulla woman and artist who is a senior Elder and descendant of the Wonamutta Clan.
