By JOLENE OGLE
A LOCAL business owner is calling on the community to show their Queensland spirit by helping turn the Big Pelican maroon.
Laurie Stevenson of Pelican Boat Hire said the colour change was part of Queensland Week celebrations from 30 May to 7 June; a celebration of the state’s culture, heritage and industry.
The week-long celebrations centre around the state’s birthday on 6 June and this year marks 156 years since Queensland separated from New South Wales.
Throughout the celebrations, iconic landmarks will be decorated to create a sea of maroon and the Big Pelican will be the featured Noosa icon.
Laurie said the event was all about showing how passionate the community is for the state of Queensland.
“We want to help efforts to turn the state maroon and we are asking for the community to help too,” he said.
“We want to show how passionate we are about our statehood.”
Although Laurie is part owner of the Big Pelican, he said the big bird really belongs to the community – with many residents and tourists stopping to rub the Pelican’s ‘lucky’ tail feather – and is calling on the community to help get the Big Pelican looking great.
“We’re putting the call out to local groups and organisations who might like to get involved,” he said.
“We would love to make the decorating of the Big Pelican a real community event with everyone pitching in.”
If you would like to help decorate the Big Pelican, phone Laurie or his business partner Brad Blundell on 5449 7239.
