One million stars project shines in Queensland Parliament

Queensland Parliament’s Red Chamber was transformed into a sea of colourful stars today, with Members of Parliament showing their support for the One Million Stars to End Violence project.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones led a star weaving session with project founder, Maryann Talia Pau, as part of Festival 2018 activities in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games.

“Today I’ve called on my Parliamentary colleagues to make the White Ribbon pledge with me, as we all commit to creating positive changes in our communities,” Ms Jones said.

“The One Million Stars project has a dual purpose – to raise awareness about violence in our community and to create an incredible public art installation of one million colourful stars.

“Each woven star demonstrates an individual’s commitment to kindness and courage.

“What a privilege for each star weaver to know they have played a role in creating a beautiful artwork with a powerful message of hope, which will be displayed during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“We want to extend the excitement of the Games beyond the host city, so that more people can be part of the Games.

“That’s why I’m pleased to announce today, the One Million Stars installation will be designed by the Museum of Brisbane and located at City Hall, right in the heart of Brisbane.

“Not only will the One Million Stars artwork be spectacular to look at, it will also support the Commonwealth Games Federation’s vision of a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous global community.

“I’m looking forward to the big reveal of the artwork next April.”

Ms Jones said the Ms Talia Pau and her team of dedicated star weavers around the world were getting closer to reaching their target of completing one million stars by July 2017.

“We set an ambitious target and we’re almost there, with now more than 800,000 stars completed,” she said.

“I’m particularly pleased to say Queensland Government staff and their family members have thrown their support behind the project.

“Staff from the Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games in partnership with the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services have collectively completed about 30,000 stars – an outstanding effort!

“Communities are now being asked to send in their completed stars, with 400,000 stars received so far in to the One Million Stars headquarters.

“We know there are plenty of stars out there still, so we need communities to continue sending in their completed stars and, most importantly, keep weaving.”

Ms Talia Pau said today marked another great day for the project.

“Every star woven represents a person’s commitment to be the light and kindness they want to see in the world,” Ms Talia Pau said.

“I’m inspired by people’s heartfelt response to the project and today’s star-weave jam has been no different.

“I feel proud to be weaving with our Members of Parliament as I know they will return to their communities and continue sharing the One Million Stars message.”

The One Million Stars to End Violence project was created by Ms Talia Pau in 2012 following a violent tragedy in her community and her want to peacefully connect the world through art.

The response to date has been overwhelmingly positive with stars being woven in communities from Cooktown, Kenya, Canada and Barbados.

To get involved, visit www.onemillionstars.net or contact weave@onemillionstars.net

Media contact:

Minister Jones’ office – 0437 069 516

Museum of Brisbane – 3339 0813