One of the city’s most prominent artists whose work hangs in the Vatican Museums’ art collection in Rome is to be honoured locally.
Logan City Council is proposing to rename Berrinba Wetland Interpretive Centre after Aboriginal Elder and artist Reginald Roy Knox.
Uncle Reg, as he was known, died last year leaving behind a legacy of work which included magnificent oil paintings, sculptures and drawings as well as murals in many South East Queensland schools promoting reconciliation and unity.
He was commissioned in 1986 to create one of his artworks as a gift for the late Pope John Paul II on his Papal visit to Australia.
Uncle Reg was born at Toomelah Aboriginal Mission in 1934 and lived in the City of Logan for 50 years.
He was admired and respected for his outstanding artwork as well as his contribution to the community and commitment to working with young people.
Uncle Reg’s artistic ability is recognised locally, nationally, and internationally with many of his works being sold and shown in galleries both locally and overseas.
Through his art, Uncle Reg was involved with many institutions including respite centres, correctional centres and museums.
He also spent many years working with secondary school students at risk.
A quiet achiever, Uncle Reg voluntarily helped many community organisations to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
The community consultation process for the proposed naming of the centre will involve engagement with First Nations representatives before opening for input from the wider community through Council’s ‘Have Your Say’ platform in mid-July.
