Logan City Council is showcasing local legends as part of a campaign to position the city as a multicultural community full of innovation and opportunity.
Logan Mayor Jon Raven said the campaign was about reclaiming Logan’s story and honouring the real forces behind the city’s transformation: its people.
A series of videos is profiling residents whose contribution has helped shape the fabric of the city.
While Logan has produced some of Australia’s most recognisable names, from footy greats Cameron Smith and Corey Parker to pop sensations Savage Garden and Dami Im and Olympic champions Steven Bradbury and Mollie O’Callaghan, Cr Raven says it’s time to unearth the next generation of legends.
“Logan is an exciting, multicultural city full of opportunity, innovation and heart,” Cr Raven said.
“We want to show the world what we already know: Logan is a city on the rise, and it is powered by its people.”
One of the first legends featured is Uguandan refugee Cecilia Ossa who arrived in Australia in 2003 with three young children.
“We came here with nothing, but we were welcomed,” Ms Ossa said.
“When I arrived here, the kids didn’t like the food we had. But then we heard about and we found food from home: cassava, potatoes and vegetables,” Ms Ossa says.
The markets soon became more than just a place to shop, they became a lifeline, a connection to her roots and a bridge to her future.
It wasn’t long before she began growing traditional African vegetables, including pumpkin leaf, cassava leaves, amaranth and three different types of rosella.
By 2011, Ms Ossa had her own stall at the markets.
“I love to grow food that we had at home in Africa,” she said.
“I make a bit of money to raise my kids and support my family back in the refugee camp. I send money for school fees, books, and medicine.
“Some of the vegetables we sell you can’t find them in the big markets.
“But at the markets people from all over the world come; it’s multicultural.
“You see vegetables from so many different countries,” she said.
At weekends, Ms Ossa and her sister and their families gather in Jacaranda Park to teach the next generations traditional dances and drumming.
Cr Raven said Logan was home to people from more than 230 cultures.
“When people think of Logan, I want them to think of strength, compassion, culture and opportunity, “ he said.
The council is inviting residents to nominate the people in their lives whose dedication makes a meaningful difference in the community.
They could be volunteers, mentors, cultural leaders, innovators driving change, or those whose everyday kindness uplifts others.
To celebrate a Logan Legend, visit the website loganlegends.au and complete a short form.
