A striking new display of photographs is now on show at 157 Bourbong Street, offering residents and visitors a fresh perspective on the heart of Bundaberg.
The images were contributed by participants of the ‘I See You Bundy!’ tours, who took to the CBD during a series of guided tours organised by photographer and project creator William Debois in July and August.
Equipped with film cameras and a keen eye, participants wandered the city streets, capturing the often-overlooked details that make Bundaberg’s city centre unique.
The project celebrated the character of the city centre while encouraging the community to look at familiar streetscapes in a new light.
William said, throughout the tours, participants shared memories and facts about the buildings and places they were photographing.
“I could tell that they are really attached to their town and that it is an integral part of their identity,” he said.
“It was also really nice to see that participants actually slowed down and noticed their surroundings, which was the intention of the project all along.
“As a professional photographer, I am very sensitive to how joyful it can be to photograph everyday details with no brief and no pressure to achieve a perfect result.
“I think ‘I See You Bundy!’ is all about that simple joy of looking through a viewfinder and absorbing the world in little chunks.”
The project was supported by Bundaberg Regional Council through a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant for $4,900.
William said he was inspired to hold the project in Bundaberg to encourage a new perspective of viewing the CBD, in line with Council’s Safe Space, Thriving Places initiative.
“Although I live in Gladstone, I spend a lot of time in Bundaberg and I am always surprised by how lively the CBD is and how interesting it looks,” he said.
“It’s an unusual mix of imposing buildings and quirky architectural features, with alleyways and odd back lanes that lend themselves to meandering and photographic explorations.
“But I’m also aware that people don’t necessarily see the CBD in the most positive way, and I felt that a project inviting the community to have a fresh look at it could be a good thing.
“I really hope people who come across the displays go on to explore the CBD with the same curiosity.”
Interactive map to explore
Alongside the photographs, the display features a QR code linking to an interactive map that gathers over 130 of the images captured across the CBD.
Visitors can use the map to trace the participants’ routes, locate the spots where photographs were taken and explore the collective portrait of central Bundaberg that is ‘I See You Bundy!’.
About RADF
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Bundaberg Regional Council to promote local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) supports delivery of Queensland’s Time to Shine, a 10-year strategy for arts and culture and its priority to strengthen Queenslanders’ access to enriching arts and cultural experiences.
“The Crisafulli Government’s multi-year RADF investment provides greater funding certainty for 59 regional councils, streamlined program management and red tape reduction, while boosting the state’s vibrant arts and cultural scene,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Each year, RADF programs reach more than one million people across Queensland, securing local arts experiences and cultural tourism opportunities in regional areas, as well as supporting local artists in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“For 34 years, Arts Queensland has partnered with regional councils to co-invest in local arts initiatives that generate jobs, community engagement and help boost local economies.
“The Crisafulli Government will continue to support these vital collaborations.”
