By Jolene Ogle
Noosa has joined the global public art movement by unveiling two Before I Die walls in the shire with the hope of inspiring the community to chase their biggest dreams.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Noosa Junction board, Councillor Jess Glasgow said the feel-good project was a great asset for the shire, and encouraged residents to share the things they hoped to accomplish during their lifetime.
“These walls have been incredibly well-received all over the world. Publicly declaring your most cherished aspirations and the things on your bucket list can be both motivating and rewarding,” Cr Glasgow said.
“The wall also offers an insight as to our community’s collective desires, fears and challenges, at the same time encouraging us to empathise with those around us and explore our own motivations.
The first Before I Die wall was unveiled in 2011 in New Orleans and the concept quickly became a global phenomenon. Today there are more than 2000 Before I Die walls in 35 languages across more than 70 countries.
The first Before I Die wall was unveiled in Cooroy on Wednesday 15 February, and is already full of the community’s dreams and wishes. The second board was unveiled in Arcadia Street at Noosa Junction on Friday 17 February.
Inspired by the Before I Die wall, the Noosa Junction wall will use a variation of the traditional wording, ‘While I’m alive, I want to … ’, which will also provide an opportunity for the Noosa community to stop, reflect and share their dreams and aspirations.
Noosa Junction Traders Association board member Gary Swan was at the launch of the Noosa Junction board, and said the wall was a good way of looking at Noosa’s identity.
“Former mayor Noel Playford did a fantastic job in setting up Noosa to stand on its own two feet, and now we’re in a time where we’re transitioning into what Noosa can become,” he said.
“This is a great way to start that conversation about what our dreams and aspirations are, why we live here and what we want to do while we’re alive. Council has been fantastic in taking the initiative in doing this. I hope it’s the start of a lot more initiatives.”
Cr Glasgow said the wall was a perfect example that Noosa Council “isn’t just about rates, roads and rubbish”.
“Next time you’re in Cooroy or Noosa Junction, take a minute to think about that one thing, above all others, you long to do in your lifetime and share it on the wall,” Cr Glasgow said. “In turn, you may just inspire others!”
