A striking new community mosaic has been installed at Burnett Heads Memorial Park, celebrating the town’s history while honouring the service and sacrifice of local veterans.
Developed through a collaborative project led by Tracie Regan for the Burnett Heads Memorial Park Committee, the mosaic brings together local stories, historical connections and symbols of remembrance in a lasting public artwork.
Bundaberg Regional Council supported the project through its Public Art Masterplan approval process, with staff also arranging the manufacture of a stainless-steel frame and the installation of the completed artwork on the pump house wall in the park.
The project was first proposed by Tracie in early 2025, with local artist Paul Perry of Milpi Magic Mosaics helping to develop the concept into a community-driven artwork.
A visual story of remembrance
Tracie said the mosaic was designed to connect local stories with the history of the region.
“The mosaic is a project by the Burnett Heads Memorial Committee and the design represents a visual story of remembrance for our local veterans and their connection to the history of Burnett Heads,” she said.
“Each element of the design carries a special meaning or link to our veterans past and present.”
The design features the Burnett Heads lighthouse, cane fields and a turtle, reflecting the town’s coastal character and the region’s agricultural heritage.
Symbols of military remembrance are also incorporated, including a bugle representing the call to war and the Last Post.
The different coloured poppies and rosemary are also emblems of respect.
A fob watch provides a poignant connection to the past, including the story of Private W. Brewer, who received an inscribed wristlet watch before leaving for active service in 1916 and was killed in action in March 1918.
Community effort brings the artwork to life
More than 80 volunteer participants from the Burnett Heads community contributed to the artwork, many experiencing mosaic-making for the first time.
Across 14 three-hour workshops coordinated by Tracie and facilitated by Paul Perry, participants learned the techniques involved in making a mosaic and bringing the detailed design to life.
“Tracie and I put in lots of extra time keeping the project on track, maintaining its quality and completing the more complex and technically demanding elements,” Paul said
“Another group of local community members helped move the panel outside the hall for grouting and finishing.
“The project has involved nearly 600 hours of mosaic work, through community mosaic workshops and individual contributions from the conception to completion.”
Support through local partnerships
The project also received financial and in-kind support from local businesses, community groups, organisations and individuals, including major sponsor GemLife Lighthouse Bay, Milpi Magic Mosaics,Lighthouse Hotel Burnett Heads Community Raffles, Jennifer Blay Business Consulting, CLAG – Crafty Ladies Activity Group, Bundaberg Anglican Church, the Burnett Heads Sports & Progress Association, Bundaberg Regional Council and the Regan family.
The finished mosaic now provides a permanent feature within Burnett Heads Memorial Park and forms part of the Bundaberg Regional Council Public Art Collection.
