August 27, 2025
South Burnett residents trudging the long path to Reconciliation will now be able to enjoy a breather along the way thanks to a unique project by the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.
Seven street benches, all decorated in Indigenous designs by local artist Maurice Mickelo, were presented to the South Burnett Regional Council during a small ceremony at Cherbourg on Tuesday morning.
The benches will be placed in towns across the region: Proston (Emma’s Coffee Shop), Murgon (Lamb Street), Wondai (Wondai Art Gallery), Kingaroy (O’Neill Square and Glendon Street shared zone), Nanango (Ringsfield House) and Blackbutt (skate park).
An eighth bench has been placed in the grounds of The Ration Shed complex at Cherbourg.
The journey to the Reconciliation project began out of a place of hurt felt by Cherbourg resident and Murgon businessman Tyrone Murray.
Tyrone runs a barber shop in Murgon.
Formerly there was a seat on the footpath outside his shop where his clients used to wait and enjoy a yarn. But then it was moved – apparently after someone complained – further away to outside the laundromat, and then removed all together.
“That sort of hurt me,” Tyrone said. “But I had a talk with Uncle Bruce (Simpson) … and he said don’t worry, we’ll get these Reconciliation chairs.”
Cherbourg Elder Pop John Stanley said Reconciliation was about reaching out to the future and forgiveness from the heart.
“It doesn’t come from the mouth; it doesn’t come from the brain; it comes from somewhere deep within us,” he said.
Cherbourg Deputy Mayor Gordon Wragge said the bricks that were holding up walls between people had to be knocked down to make a clear path for everybody.
“It’s important that we as people come together … because there is a brighter future for all,” he said.
Mayor Bruce Simpson said it was exciting the Cherbourg and South Burnett councils had come together for this Reconciliation project.
“Today is more than just the chairs that we are launching. It’s about the partnership and the relationship,” Mayor Simpson said.
South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff said her Council felt very honoured to receive the chairs in the name of Reconciliation.
Well done Maurice, you artwork never ceases to amaze.