‘Better than the Vatican’: Visitors react to Maryborough’s Cistern Chapel

Maryborough’s stunning new toilet block is already making a splash, with thousands visiting the quirky bathroom in the weeks since it opened. PHOTOS, VIDEO

The reactions to Maryborough’s amazing dunnies are almost as good as the artworks on its walls.

One visitor proclaimed the bathrooms inside the city’s Cistern Chapel were better then the Vatican’s, while another wondered how little Prince Louis, whose antics were on full display during the recent Platinum Jubilee, might react to the stunning facilities.

Thousands of people have made their way through the divine toilets since the upgraded facilities opened their doors last month.

The main artwork was completed by Akos Juhasz and Gary Madden.

The toilets have been transformed by the creative artworks, which now attracted people by the dozen and keep the city’s flusher ushers – people who act as attendants while also spreading the word about the other sights and sounds of Maryborough – very busy.

Kerry Gilliard, one of the volunteers, said it was the “fun vibe” that made her want to be part of it.

“It’s such a buzz meeting Maryborough people and visitors and hearing such positive comments about our beautiful toilets and city,” she said.

Visitors are being asked to contribute a gold coin donation to the upkeep of the toilets, but so far little encouragement has been needed, with enough supplies of Glen20 being donated to last for six months.

From across the country, travellers have descended on Maryborough to look at the loos for themselves, but there have been some international guests.

Two Belgian women received word all the way from Brussels about the stunning dunnies and during their visit declared it was of the highlights of their trip.

“There is nothing like this in the world,” one of the women said.

Sharon Benge had bypassed Maryborough for years as she travelled between the Gold Coast and Hervey Bay for holidays.

But upon hearing about the Cistern Chapel, she decided to make a special stop.

After that, she decided to stay a few days in Maryborough and look around the city, saying that her impression of the destination had changed dramatically.

“There’s so much to see, so many beautiful old buildings, museums and friendly people,” she said, adding that she would definitely return.

One woman who has done much for the community, during her time acting as Mary Heritage, Mary Poppins and every Mary in between, was Carmel Murdoch.

While she retired from her role with the council last year, she has happily volunteered as an attendant at the Cistern Chapel.

“It so lovely to see them all coming out of the toilets with a smile on their face, all talking to each other, and then they tell us where they’ve been and where they’re from and how they came here and how they found out about the toilets,” she said.

“It’s incredible. We’re averaging about 2000 people a week.

“In four hours this morning, we’ve had 130 people through.”

Ms Murdoch said the reactions of those who had seen the toilets had been very positive.

“Everybody raves about it,” she said.