Kings Beach heritage stirs oceans of fond memories

Life-sized Picture Sunshine Coast images of loyal lifesavers, bathing beauties and the sand garden competition feature in the new Kings Beach heritage murals launched today (May 3).

Kings Beach has long been a popular holiday destination for families who make the trek to the iconic location for their annual holiday – and it still is a favourite today.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said celebrating the region’s history was particularly important in 2017 as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Naming of the Sunshine Coast.

“This milestone also allows us the opportunity to celebrate our coming of age and look forward to what is surely going to be a very bright future,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The new Kings Beach heritage murals foster an appreciation and awareness of our cultural heritage, natural environment and landscape for all the community to enjoy.”

Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer said the new Kings Beach murals, funded by the Cultural Heritage Levy, would remind residents and visitors of many happy times spent at the iconic Kings Beach landscape.

“The murals will beautify existing park seating areas and the walls behind the Kings Beach amphitheatre,” Cr Dwyer said.

“The heritage images have been taken from council’s Picture Sunshine Coast collection and showcase classic scenes from the 1920s through to the 1950s.

“It is only fitting our loyal lifesavers feature prominently and it is a way to once again acknowledge and thank them for their significant contribution to this busy beach.

“And some members of the community will remember the sand garden competition at Kings Beach that was a popular event with families during the holiday season.

“I certainly have my own fond memories of this iconic location and I’m sure our residents and visitors will also enjoy a trip down memory lane.”

The murals are funded as part of the Heritage Interpretive Trails project through the Heritage Levy.

Sunshine Coast residents pay a Cultural Heritage Levy of $8 per annum. The levy is charged per household and is included in the rates payment. The levy aims to:

• protect cultural places such as buildings and other significant sites

• raise people’s awareness of the value of local heritage

• celebrate the cultural heritage of the Sunshine Coast.

To find out more about the region’s rich history, visit council’s website and search ‘heritage’.

In 2017 the region celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Naming of the Sunshine Coast. For more information on this milestone anniversary visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/fifty.

Image caption: Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer pictured with Jocelyn Morgan standing in front of the iconic heritage image she donated to council's Picture Sunshine Coast collection. Jocelyn's dad is featured in the image of the Metropolitan Caloundra Surf Life Savers having fun on the beach with holiday makers, 1938.