Giant sculpture blessing by community

On the 19th April 2021, local artist Dr Farvardin Daliri OAM unveiled his latest artwork, the giant talking cockatoo at a community blessing ceremony.

At the community blessing and smoking ceremony, Dr Farvardin Daliri OAM who previously created the giant kookaburra and a giant koala as symbols of unity will updated sponsors and the community on his progress with his latest artwork creation; a giant talking cockatoo.

“With the isolating changes covid has brought to our lives, I have realised how important it is to celebrate the positivity of community, diversity and hope” said Dr Farvardin Daliri OAM.
 
“What better way to celebrate this, than with a giant talking cockatoo that will say hello in many different languages?” Farvardin commented.
 
“The giant koala and giant kookaburra captivated the community, gaining international media attention. We are hoping the giant talking cockatoo will be as big a hit,” he said.
 
The giant talking cockatoo sculpture comprising of 750kgs of steel, fibreglass, ceramic, natural fibre and paint will stand an impressive 4.2 metres tall once complete.

The Carnival of Joy artwork blessing ceremony included a Welcome to Country, blessing and smoking ceremony by local Aboriginals elders. The event was attended by community leaders including the Carnival of Joy Ambassador and Australian of the Year (Qld) Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM.