Calls for Cairns’ next big thing after removal of Captain Cook Statue
The removal of the controversial Captain Cook Statue has sparked calls for a new icon in the region. One Cairns resident has started discussions to get his installed while another thinks his idea could compete with the Hollywood sign. Find out more.
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A passionate Cairns resident pushing for his big boomerang to be the next big thing after the removal of the controversial Captain Cook Highway is confident it will be displayed in Cairns ahead of multiple meetings.
Artist Munganbana Norman Miller pushed for his big boomerang just weeks ago and has already gained momentum with his mission.
“I am confident that Cairns will be the home of the Next Big Thing, the Big Boomerang,” he said.
“I have had a visit from Seith Fourmile, a traditional owner from Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji who is supportive of the project.”
Mr Miller is pretty sure it will end up on the Esplanade.
“The First Nations Advisory Committee to the Cairns Regional Council has had discussions
about the Big Boomerang being put up in Cairns and is favourable,” he said.
Mr Miller has contacted Cairns MP Michael Healy and Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch.
“Mr. Entsch, sent me an email with advice and said that the Rotary and Lions Clubs had jointly funded the Big Gumboot at a cost of $90,000 in 2003,” he said.
He has already set up meetings with Councillor Amy Eden and a delegate from Mayor Bob Mannings office.
“From my end I can tell you now people have been supportive. I sense Cairns could capitalise on something like the big icon,” he said.
But Mayor Manning still thinks there is no need for a big icon in Cairns.
“That nature base that we have is what makes us different and we are not about artificiality. We are a true nature based tourism place,” he said.
“We are truly, genuinely in love with the nature based product that we have and that’s what people want to see and I will argue that until the cows come home.
“These created icons don’t bring new tourists.”
His concern hasn’t stopped other people from suggesting more ideas for the next big thing. Councillor Amy Eden said most recently someone suggested a big sign with the traditional name of Cairns, Gimuy.
“We were at a community event and a constituent spoke to me about an idea for Mount Whitfield,” she said.
“They said picture the Hollywood sign in the hills of Cairns, imagine Mount Whitfield with the big letters Gimuy, people would see it coming on planes and when driving on the highway.
“I said it was an interesting idea, having that brand recognition and providing opportunities for locals and tourists alike to clearly identify Cairns,” she said.
“Gimuy is a great way to promote brand Cairns.”
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Originally published as Calls for Cairns’ next big thing after removal of Captain Cook Statue
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