Beerwah Library welcomes its newest member – a cockatoo

Library members and visitors came together today (October 5) to celebrate the arrival of a vibrant new member at Beerwah – The Black Glossy Cockatoo, in the form of a large scale mural on the library’s external wall.

The mural embodies a significant part of Sunshine Coast Libraries vision – to promote libraries as vibrant and welcoming spaces that inspire visitors and residents.

Community Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the mural was a beautiful addition that adds to the ambiance of Beerwah Library and the adjoining community hall.

“Not only does it make the library building more attractive, but it’s now more visible to visitors and residents in Beerwah,” Cr McKay said.

“The Black Glossy Cockatoo offers a great link with the other colourful mural created inside the building, by the same artist, as part of the Beerwah Library refurbishment earlier this year.

“We want to encourage the community to discover what’s inside our library buildings and this mural is a very inviting way of doing that.”

The mural has been funded through a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant.

The successful applicant, Mieke van den Berg, began working her creative magic on the building in July this year.

She said it was important the mural told a story that tied into the natural environment surrounding Beerwah Library.

“This can be seen through the choice of colours and tones throughout,” Ms van den Berg said.

“The Black Glossy Cockatoo is a symbol of important lessons and challenges within the Kabi Kabi community.

“A cockatoo’s screech announces that rain is coming but it also represents nurture, nourishment, and replenishment – something Sunshine Coast Libraries provide their members and visitors every day.”

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

RADF funds are aimed at the development of emerging and established artists, creative practitioners and producers and awarded to projects that align with the Sunshine Coast Arts Plan 2018 – 2038.

For a full list of recipients, more information and to apply, visit council’s website or contact a council RADF Liaison Officer on 5420 8616.