Residents of Chermside and surrounding suburbs are turning their daily commute into a cultural experience by transforming traffic signal boxes into vibrant displays of local history and imagination.
Youthful Perspectives
Local schools have taken a leading role in brightening the streetscape, using public infrastructure to tell important stories. Students from Wavell State High School have contributed multiple pieces, ranging from the somber “Honouring our fallen heroes of 1942” in Aspley to the adventurous “Space Kids” and historical “Polly in PNG” in Chermside.
Meanwhile, a group from Craigslea State High School—including Isobel Andrews, Rose-Marie Nicolia, Mia Sullivan, and Pinyade Tangchaitrakul—focused on heritage with their collaborative work, “Cultural Connection and Preservation,” at Chermside West. These student-led projects turn standard metal boxes into educational landmarks that reflect the values of the younger generation.
Library
Artist: Junipah Harrison Location: Chermside (B0326)
Appropriately titled for a community hub, this artwork pays homage to the power of reading and education. Located in the bustling area of Chermside, “Library” likely serves as a colourful reminder of the worlds that can be explored through books, turning a standard street utility into a celebration of literacy and imagination.
Every Piece Matters
Artist: Olivia Donaghy Location: Chermside (B0361)
This artwork carries a powerful message of inclusion and unity. The title “Every Piece Matters” suggests a visual metaphor—often using puzzle pieces or mosaics—to represent how individual members of the community fit together to create a complete picture. It stands as a vibrant statement that everyone in Chermside has a role to play in the neighbourhood’s social fabric.
Live Fast Pie Yum
Artist: Daniella Doherty Location: Chermside (B0130)
Bringing a dose of humour to the streetscape, Daniella Doherty’s “Live Fast Pie Yum” plays on the classic phrase “Live Fast Die Young.” Instead of a rebellious rock-and-roll message, this artwork celebrates the simple, delicious joys of life—specifically, the humble pie. It is a fun, lighthearted addition to the suburb that likely brings a smile to hungry commuters.
Celestial Critters
Artist: Chloe Burr Location: Chermside West (B0180)
In this imaginative piece, Chloe Burr looks to the skies, blending the natural world with the cosmos. “Celestial Critters” suggests a dreamlike scene where animals float among the stars, turning a grounded metal box into a portal to a magical universe. It adds a touch of whimsy and wonder to the streets of Chermside West.
A Backyard Oasis
Artist: Libby McArdle Location: Chermside West (B8032)
Celebrating the green, suburban charm of Chermside West, Libby McArdle’s artwork captures the tranquility of a personal sanctuary. “A Backyard Oasis” likely features lush foliage, flowers, or garden scenes, offering a visual “breath of fresh air” for pedestrians and drivers passing by the concrete infrastructure.
Our Beautiful Home
Artist: Ravenna & Joshua Ren Location: Chermside West (B8032)
This collaborative piece by Ravenna and Joshua Ren is a tribute to the place they call home. Whether depicting a specific house or the broader local environment, “Our Beautiful Home” reflects a deep sense of pride and belonging. It serves as a warm, welcoming marker for residents returning to their neighbourhood at the end of the day.
The Good Fortune Cat
Artist: Amelie Turner-Francis Location: Chermside West (B0156)
Drawing on the symbol of the Maneki-neko (beckoning cat), this artwork brings a symbol of luck and prosperity to the street corner. Amelie Turner-Francis’s design acts as a friendly greeter to the community, wishing good fortune to anyone who passes. It is a bright, cultural icon that adds character and positivity to the local intersection.
Nature and Whimsy
Beyond the schools, individual artists have brought a sense of fun and natural beauty to the area. Daniella Doherty adds a touch of humour to the streets of Chermside with “Live Fast Pie Yum,” while Amelie Turner-Francis brings luck to passersby in Chermside West with “The Good Fortune Cat.”
Nature is a strong theme across the suburbs, with Jessica Taylor’s “Alive and Active Waterway” and Kassandra Marsh’s “Parkland” in Geebung reminding locals of the green spaces nearby. In Chermside West, Libby McArdle depicts a relaxing scene with “A Backyard Oasis,” offering a visual break from the busy traffic.
A Community Canvas
The Artforce Brisbane program continues to showcase the diversity of the community through these scattered artworks. Pieces like “Every Piece Matters” by Olivia Donaghy and “Our Beautiful Home” by Ravenna and Joshua Ren highlight themes of inclusion and belonging.
Others celebrate local groups and hobbies, such as Eileen O’Hely’s tribute to the “Chermside-Burul Scouts” and Junipah Harrison’s “Library,” which sits near the local shops. Whether it is Chloe Burr’s “Celestial Critters” or the historical nod in Bree McDonald’s “Newman Rode the Waves,” each painted box adds a unique chapter to the visual story of Brisbane’s northside.
Published Date 31-December-2025
