Surfing turtles, ocean waves, bright flowers and rainbows lead the path to this year’s Milbi at the Lighthouse with Chalk the Sidewalk.
Taking part in the activity, St Luke’s student Anneliese Taylor said she was inspired to capture the essence of turtles swimming from Milbi, but she enjoyed giving it her personal twist by using bright colours.
“I wanted to make the turtle stand out and I thought if I changed it up a little, it would work,” she said.
“I’ve seen the turtles come up at Mon Repos and I enjoy art and looking after the environment.”
Maree Black enjoyed watching her grandchildren Zach and Aaliyah Dayag come up with a fantastic design and she said they had taken on their own inspiration to create a colourful masterpiece.
Aaliyah said it was the first time she had participated in the Milbi Festival and she was keen to take part.
“It’s really fun, I wanted to be involved to help the environment,” Aaliyah said.
“We have our bright coloured turtles, and we wanted to welcome people to the Milbi Festival too.”
Chalk the Sidewalk organiser Felicity Newlands and Divisional representative Bundaberg Regional Council Cr Tanya McLoughlin were both blown away by the creativity of the children who took part in Chalk the Walk.
Felicity said in two-and-a-half hours, children were able to create a marvellous trail of brightly coloured, ocean-themed artwork.
“The first year we had 61 participants and this year we are hoping for 100,” she said.
“We have the wonderful Jenni Kirkwood and John Leyland, who are both local artists, judging the artwork.”
Cr McLoughlin said combining Chalk the Sidewalk with Milbi at the Lighthouse was a fantastic opportunity for families to get out and about together.
“It’s really great to see a good crowd of kids out here being creative,” Cr McLoughlin said.
“It’s a free event with plenty of prizes that were donated by Gladstone Ports Corporation, and raffle prizes from local businesses, we really appreciate that support.”
Chalk the Sidewalk winners
Chalk the Sidewalk 13 to 18 years:
1st Ivy Montague
2nd Taylah Wurzbacher
Chalk the Sidewalk 6 to 12 years
1st Isla Fallon
2nd Aurelia Dean
Chalk the Sidewalk Under 6 years
1st Piper Frazer
More art on display during festival
Not only was artwork from locals on display along the footpath at Burnett Heads, but the community hall was packed full of art pieces for the Gladstone Ports Corporation Art and Photography Exhibition also.
Gayle Mason and Barb Kruger organised the art exhibition for the first time, and Gayle said the expertise from local artist had taken it to another level.
“Both Bundaberg and the coastal regions have an amazing and talented amount of people,” Gayle said.
“This year is the biggest we’ve ever had at the art exhibition with 68 entrants providing 160 pieces, for a one-day art show that’s pretty amazing.”
The overall best in exhibition winner was Jassy Watson for her Pink Moon Duck piece.
