We are extremely excited to officially have incredible artwork on display by local first nation artist, Jarrod Beezley. The artwork was unveiled by the Gladstone Regional Council during May.
The artwork comes as part of the $2.4 million Gladstone Aquatic Centre Rejuvenation Project. The installation falls under the Third stage of the project. The artwork is an indigenous take on the original baths from the Gladstone region in 1936.
“The story begins with a representation of the original ‘Baths’ that started at the bottom of Goondoon Street, including the picturesque Lady Nelson Park and Gladstone Harbour Board fountain on the corner of Lord and Goondoon Streets,” the statement said. “This was previously the site of the Gladstone Municipal baths, built in 1936 and was saltwater baths then eventually turned to freshwater baths.
“From there many other ‘Baths’ were constructed around Gladstone region, Toolooa Street baths in 1864, and the Auckland baths near Friends Victoria Store in 1870s.”
Beezley uses bright colours to reflect the environment and community’s feeling of the Gladstone Aquatic Centre.
The final artwork is to be printed on vinyl and put up by the 25m pool, covering the lower third of the windows.
Make sure to come down and see this incredible local artwork!
In the meantime, check out some of the photos from the unveiling below!
Gladstone Regional Council is being assisted to deliver this improved facility for the region with:
$1.2m State Government funding, through the COVID Works for Queensland Program
$1.6m through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program
$2.4m State Government funding, through the 2021-24 Works for Queensland Program
