A new public installation is bringing the streets of Nambour to life with the sound of music.
A piano has been installed for anyone to use in the Nambour Town Square.
Its arrival was heralded on Monday with Elton John’s The Rocket Man blowing on the breeze as renowned impersonator Greg Andrew tinkled the ivories.
The piano features artwork by local artist and Street Art Nambour Group member Ross Holloway.
Sunshine Coast councillor David Law said everyone was welcome to play the piano.
“It may be new for Nambour, but it’s not a new concept,” Cr Law said.
“For years, street pianos have been installed in cities across the world. It turns heads, connects people and is lovely to hear.
“The Nambour community has a cultural heart and I think they will embrace the idea and use music to make connections and conversation.”
Cr Law said Retro Rocks livened up the streets two weeks ago, the Horizon Festival was underway across the region with The Old Ambulance Station offering multiple visual art events, and there was a special workshop presented by The Pottery Studio.
“The new piano is a free and fun way for people to activate their community space throughout Spring,” Cr Law said.
“It offers the potential to reveal some undiscovered local talent or may serve as a place to practise for those who don’t have regular access to a piano.”
Nambour Chamber of Commerce, Nambour Tram Co., Nambour Retailers Group and Reimagine Nambour recently partnered with Sunshine Coast Council to activate Nambour and bring new life into town.
Nambour’s Brand Ambassador Rhonda Billett said the partnership had enabled the groups to identify various concepts and ideas.
“We’ve created a top three list of things to roll out for Nambour while considering the Nambour Activation Plan as well as the current and future (proposed) planning scheme for Nambour,” Ms Billet said.
“The introduction of the Nambour Public Piano is just the beginning for Nambour CBD with further activations to come.
“Events and activations like this are a fantastic way to complement the opportunity that exists within the Special Entertainment Precinct boundaries.
“We are looking to include various events surrounding the donated public piano, as well as many other fun and exciting concepts for the town including the recent introduction of waived fees for footpath dining and Food Truck Fridays Fest over the coming months.
“The Special Entertainment Precinct in Nambour is a unique point of difference for the community and with more boutique music and arts events being introduced to the town, the adoption of the piano in the public space will enable locals to get involved and be a part of the Special Entertainment Precinct fun. If things go well with the Nambour public piano, we hope to roll out more public instruments in the town and embrace the music culture in Nambour.”
The Nambour Centre Activation Project is focused on invigorating the major hinterland centre.
