The Girls of Brisbane: A Monumental New Idea to Elevate Brisbane’s Global Profile

October 2024

The Girls of Brisbane: A Monumental New Idea to Elevate Brisbane’s Global Profile 

A progressive idea for Brisbane is set to start conversation about the way Brisbane sees itself and the way others see Brisbane.

“The Girls of Brisbane” is an ambitious project that would see the creation of two towering 100-meter-high statues of girls, strategically positioned on the cliffs of Kangaroo Point between St Mary’s and Joeys Café. This new landmark aims to redefine Brisbane’s identity, boost civic pride, and elevate the city’s profile both domestically and internationally.

Brisbane, known for its sub-tropical lifestyle and strong community spirit, has long struggled to establish a defining feature that captures its unique essence. While residents and leaders celebrate Brisbane as an excellent place to live, this sentiment hasn’t always fully resonated with a broader audience. “The Girls of Brisbane” project is designed to change this narrative, creating an iconic symbol that will attract visitors and foster a sense of pride within the Brisbane community.

The Vision Behind The Girls of Brisbane

The driving force behind “The Girls of Brisbane” is a bold vision to create something truly remarkable for Brisbane. The project aims to:

      • Symbolise Friendship and Childhood: The proposed statues will depict two girls standing shoulder to shoulder, holding hands. This portrayal symbolises lifelong friendship and innocence, untouched by the pervasive influence of social media, reflecting a time when children are free to dream and shape their futures.

      • Boost Civic Pride and Global Recognition: Establishing a landmark of this scale and significance will enhance civic pride and secure Brisbane as a city with a unique and compelling identity on the world stage.

    The Project Details

    What and Who?

        • The Statues: Standing at an impressive 100 meters tall, the statues will portray two young girls dressed in attire that embodies Brisbane’s year-round outdoor lifestyle. Their posture and expressions will convey environmental and cultural guardianship, friendship and optimism. Looking out over the city the girls will symbolise Brisbane’s spirit and future aspirations.

        • A Community Project: ” The Girls of Brisbane ” is proposed to be a community-driven initiative, with funding sourced through a lottery system, like the financing model used for the construction of the Sydney Opera House. This approach ensures broad community involvement and local ownership of the idea, making it a true reflection of Brisbane’s communal spirit.

      When and Where?

          • Timeline: Completion by January 2032. This timeline allows for strategic planning, design, and construction to ensure the statues become a timeless addition to Brisbane’s landscape.

          • Location: It is proposed to have the statues strategically placed on the cliffs of Kangaroo Point, between St Mary’s and Joeys Café, offering unparalleled views of the city and the Brisbane River. This location will make the statues a focal point for both locals and visitors.

        Key Features of The Girls of Brisbane

        Design and Structural Highlights

            • Internal Access and Viewing Platform: Each statue will feature internal access with lifts and stairs leading to a viewing platform, providing panoramic views of Brisbane and its surroundings. This feature will make the statues not just a visual marvel but also an interactive experience for visitors.

            • Night Illumination: The statues will be illuminated at night, creating a stunning visual spectacle visible from the CBD. This will enhance their presence and make them a landmark that can be appreciated around the clock.

            • Durable Materials: The statues will be constructed from durable materials such as copper, ensuring longevity and minimal environmental impact. This choice of materials will also give the statues a timeless and majestic appearance.

          Visitor Experience

              • Visitor Center: Complementing the statues will be a state-of-the-art visitor centre, offering an interpretive experience that details the design and build story. This centre will highlight the leadership in the planning, engineering, and construction phases, promoting the children involved in the project and to inspire future generations.

              • Educational Opportunities: The project will create numerous educational opportunities, particularly in the fields of mathematics, engineering, and design. Interactive exhibits and workshops will appeal to both children and adults, fostering a deeper understanding of these disciplines.

              • Children’s Competition: To further involve the community, a competition will be held inviting school-aged children to submit design ideas for the statues. This initiative will ensure the project resonates with younger generations and fosters a sense of ownership and pride.

            Engagement and Legacy

                • Symbolism of the Statues: The statues will stand as guardians over the city, embodying hope, friendship, and the potential for future achievements. Their presence will be a constant reminder of Brisbane’s innovative spirit and communal strength.

                • Good Luck for the City: The statues are intended to bring good luck to Brisbane, standing as enduring symbols of prosperity and positivity for the city and its residents.

                • Enduring Legacy: ” The Girls of Brisbane ” is designed to be more than just a tourist attraction; it is a legacy project that will provide lasting benefits to the community, including educational and cultural enrichment.

              Conclusion

              ” The Girls of Brisbane ” is a bold and visionary project that promises to transform Brisbane’s cityscape and elevate its profile on the global stage. This monumental landmark will not only enhance the city’s appeal to visitors but also foster a sense of pride and community among residents. By symbolising friendship, innocence, and future aspirations, the statues will capture the essence of Brisbane and serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

              As the project progresses, it will involve extensive community engagement, ensuring that “The Girls of Brisbane” remains a true reflection of the city’s values and aspirations. With a planned completion date of January 2032, this ambitious initiative is set to become a defining feature of Brisbane, offering unparalleled views, interactive experiences, and a legacy for future generations.

              Original Concept: Andrew Sinclair, Director, Tourism Partners“With the momentum of Brisbane’s recent tourism successes and the excitement building for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we have a golden opportunity to truly transform Brisbane’s future. ‘The Girls of Brisbane’ will stand taller than both the Statue of Liberty and Brisbane’s own City Hall – a monumental symbol of what our city can achieve.” Andrew Sinclair, Tourism Consultant

              Architectural Concept: Samara Webster, Project Architect, CPO Architects
              “I am truly honoured to be part of the ‘The Girls of Brisbane”, which represents more than just a monumental addition to our skyline. These statues of two girls embody the essence of Brisbane’s future—one rooted in friendship, hope, and a commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. The design process has been incredibly inspiring, as we’ve sought to create a space that resonates with the community and ignites a sense of wonder and possibility. This project is a testament to what we can achieve when art, architecture, and purpose converge, and I am excited to see how these statues will inspire and empower future generations.” – Samara Webster, Architect.

              For more information, Andrew Sinclair, Director, Tourism Partners, Tel +61 407 679 538.

              NB: land use – discussion and agreement with traditional owners and government will need to occur before the project commences