Landmark public sculpture unveiled at Oceanside

Council and Stockland have unveiled a landmark six-metre high public art sculpture within the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct at Oceanside that is capturing the imagination of children and adults alike.

The playful artwork featuring a cartwheeling child, titled iDIDIT!, symbolises the joy of childhood, learning and the importance of play in human development. It is set to become a popular attraction for both locals and visitors to the region, presenting the perfect opportunity for a selfie or fun family photo.

Located in a prominent position in Village Park, on the corner of Lake Kawana Boulevard and Kawana Way at Birtinya, the sculpture weighs eight tonnes and is made up of more than 1000 individual parts of weathering plate steel.

Stockland funded the $220,000 project, which is the result of a partnership between Australia’s largest diversified property group and council.

Veteran Sunshine Coast artist Russell Anderson created the public artwork after his design concept was chosen from an Expression of Interest campaign last year that gained submissions from artists across Australia.

Sunshine Coast Council Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said iDIDIT! was a fantastic addition to the region’s growing public art collection.

“Pieces such as this one contribute to a sense of place and identity and showcase the wonderful creativity that exists in our region,” Cr Baberowski said.

“Council is committed to adding new public art projects within streetscape and park developments, as well as delivering public art projects in partnerships with external organisations such as Stockland who have made iDIDIT! possible.”

Division 3 Councillor Peter Cox said the new piece created a significant point of interest in the Birtinya precinct.

“Russell has certainly crafted an eye-catching sculpture that I’m sure both locals and visitors alike will love,” he said.

Artist Russell Anderson said the complex sculpture took eight months to create using steel from an Australian company.

“ iDIDIT! demonstrates achievement for not just a child but for anybody that has done something difficult, it’s that pinnacle of the first moment you’ve achieved something,” Anderson said.

“It also highlights the importance of exercise in development.

“It’s not often that you get the opportunity to do such a big sculpture on a great site.”

Mark McMahon, Senior Development Manager at Stockland, said the notable artwork had been receiving plenty of attention from Oceanside residents, visitors and passersby.

“This is a wonderful addition to the Oceanside landscape and it really brings a smile to the faces of people who see it for the first time,” Mr McMahon said.

“The sculpture perfectly encapsulates our vision for Oceanside as a place where outdoor activity is encouraged and the health and happiness of residents of all ages is a priority.”