‘Charming layers’ being added to public toilet precinct in heart of heritage city

This unique drawcard in the centre of one of Queensland’s oldest cities promises Poppins magic and a touch of trains in the toot.

Akos Juhasz with Fraser Coast Regional Council senior property manager Sean Jenkinson

Works have resumed to create one of Australia’s finest public toilet precincts on the Fraser Coast.

Artist Akos Juhasz is currently transforming the tired block at Maryborough Town Hall as part of the ‘Divine Dunnies’ project.

There will be “charming layers” added to the artwork, Divine Dunnies Committee Chairman Nancy Bates said.

A Victorian theme will be portrayed throughout the precinct, ranging from elements of Steampunk and Jules Verne in the men’s area, a touch of Mary Poppins in the parenting room and a “thoroughly feminine” theme in the women’s area.

Akos Juhasz with Fraser Coast Regional Council senior property manager Sean Jenkinson.

“We have sourced and acquired fittings … This includes interesting light fittings, special mirrors, movement-activated music, flowers and greenery,” she said.

“With the help of local craftsmen we are developing unique and intriguing receptacles which we hope will enhance the experience of visiting the toilets.

“It’s a bit of a fun project but we have an underlying serious intent to make the toilets a ‘must-do’ attraction for Queensland tourists.”

Mr Juhasz has been working on the men’s area, which is expected to be completed in about six weeks.

“We are planning a soft reopening of that area as work progresses on the women’s toilets and parenting room,” he said.

A completion date for the project has not been set however the committee had identified a date later in the year which would be suitable for promotion of the opening event.