After more than 30 years standing proudly in Albert Lloyd Park in Marian, ‘Joe’ the canecutter statue will finally get a facelift.
Joan Vickers, a long-time Marian resident who was involved in establishing the original statue, has spearheaded a campaign to replace Joe. She has been working with the Pioneer Valley Tourism and Development Association (PVT&DA) with ongoing support from Mackay Regional Council’s Tracy Heathwood, to raise funds, source a sculptor and plan a community day to unveil the new statue.
“Joe’s life started back in 1990, when a group of Marian residents and myself approached the Mirani Shire Council to hold a ‘Back to Marian’ day in Albert Lloyd Park”, Mrs Vickers explained.
The day was an opportunity for residents to commemorate the families who had lived or were living in Marian, by planting a tree in the park.
“On the day, about 400 people attended, with 310 native trees being planted. The cost of a tree and a name tag was $5,” said Mrs Vickers.
It was also decided to erect a statue of a canecutter, to honour those who had contributed to the growth of the sugar industry in the Marian area since 1983. Donations by local firms made this possible and the statue was nicknamed ‘Joe’.
However, the weather has taken its toll on Joe over the last 30 years.
“Joe’s condition badly deteriorated,’ explained Mr Vern Lindbergs from PVT&DA, “Mackay Regional Council decided that the original statue is a safety hazard and should be dismantled and retired.”
A campaign to raise the necessary funds to replace Joe has been very successful. Through different grants and the generosity of local firms and individuals, the new statue will be cast in bronze by Nebo sculptor, Kay Paton.
“We’re really excited to see the new, improved version of Joe,” said Mrs Vickers. “He has been missed from the park and we’re keen to have him back soon. All the community is invited to celebrate the official unveiling of our bronze canecutter statue.”
The new canecutter statue will be unveiled on Sunday 19th June at 3pm in Albert Lloyd Park in Marian. Community members are all invited to attend.
Joe the Canecutter statue was unveiled in 1990. After years of deterioration, a replacement statue will now be unveiled on Sunday 19 June in Marian. Left: Former Mirani Shire Mayor Clive Rogers, Joan Vickers and Marian Mill Manager Graham Swindles. Photo supplied by Joan Vickers
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