Major milestone for One Million Stars

Published Wednesday, 09 August, 2017 at 10:40 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

After a collective effort from weavers all over the world who reached for the stars, the One Million Stars to End Violence project has reached its goal of weaving one million stars. 

The stars will feature in a spectacular public art installation designed and hosted by the Museum of Brisbane in King George Square during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

Premier and Minister for the Arts Annastacia Palaszczuk said contributors to the project should feel incredibly proud of their efforts.

“The One Million Stars project is playing an important role in raising awareness about violence in our community and will now create an incredible public art installation for display during the Commonwealth Games,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This project has seen people from countries all over the world participating in what has evolved into a powerful statement of hope, peace and community.

‘‘The team at the Museum of Brisbane has a track record of connecting people through thought provoking exhibits so it’s a perfect fit for One Million Stars as part of Festival 2018.

‘‘The exhibit will be on show in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD and I’m hopeful it will be on everyone’s must-see list during the Games.” 

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones paid special mention to the 212 Queensland schools that took part in the Stars Schools Challenge and contributed more than 88,000 stars.

‘‘It was a great effort from students who took up the challenge and reached for the stars.

“As someone who has personally woven stars and shared the experience with many different groups, I can’t wait to see one million stars sparkle here in Brisbane during the Games.

“It’s a peaceful and powerful statement and everyone involved should be proud of their efforts,” Minister Jones said.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman, said projects like One Million Stars are a great way to spread awareness and encourage discussion surrounding domestic violence.

“I am so excited to witness the collective effort of weavers from all around the world, with the message to end domestic violence,” Ms Fentiman said.

Project founder Maryann Talia Pau said the project’s success was driven by the community and their desire to inspire peace in the world. 

Ms Talia Pau said she looks forward to seeing the stars come to life at the Museum of Brisbane.

‘‘The installation will be on show for everyone to see and will be an integral part of Festival 2018 celebrations during GC2018,’’ she said.

‘‘We’ve been touched by how passionate star weavers have been and the installation will mean different things for different people.

‘‘My personal hope is that the installation allows men, women and children regardless of race, gender, culture or belief, feel like they are part of a community and a world that cares.

‘‘For me, it shows just how much we can achieve when we work together to create change and that it inspires a sense of hope, pride and belonging in our communities.’’

The Festival 2018 arts and cultural program will be a 12-day celebration on the Gold Coast and in the Event Cities of Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.

To find out more visit www.onemillionstars.net or contact weave@onemillionstars.netand for more information about Festival 2018 visit www.embracing2018.com. 

Media contact:

Susan McGrady (Premier’s office) 0488 996 667

Ellen McIntyre (Minister Jones) 0439 547 522

Ron Goodman (Minister Fentiman) 0427 781 920