Connection to reef celebrated in HALO Life Below Water
Date published: 15 January 2021
Immerse yourself and explore the coral reef without leaving land with HALO Life Below Water which kicks off today.
Acting Mayor Mark Molachino said HALO was a highlight of Northern Stories, a collection of events to celebrate Australia Day and encourage reflection on our history’s highs and lows. HALO will run until Australia Day.
“This year, we’re looking at ways to reflect, respect and celebrate stories of the north in an inclusive way and to bring our community together this Australia Day,” Cr Molachino said.
“HALO Life Below Water will transform Castle Hill into a living coral reef with immersive light and sound displays with a life-sized whale brought to Townsville by Iplex.
“This display emphasises our city's connection to the reef and the ocean and the First Nations people.”
HALO will run nightly from 6:30pm in Queens Gardens from 15 January right up to 26 January.
Iplex General Manager Nicole Sumich said that Iplex was thrilled to be able to continue their ongoing support and commitment to the Townsville community.
“Iplex has supported the North Queensland region for over 40 years, and we remain committed to the community of Townsville and continued investment into the region,” Ms Sumich said.
“We are delighted to be a sponsor of the HALO event in Townsville this year, and the theme of Life Below Water complements our company vision of working with our customers and communities to provide safe, secure and innovative water solutions, today and into the future.
“In officially naming the whale Dugaru, Iplex pays respect to the Wulgurukaba people as the traditional owners of the local land and water.”
AGB Events Artistic Director Anthony Bastic said HALO 2021 was about bringing the audience on a journey.
“For HALO 2021, we’re inviting the audience to journey with us and discover the majesty of life below water. We shine a light on the elders of the sea, the Dugaru, and other species living and thriving off our coastline,” Mr Bastic said.
“AGB Events is pleased to work with Townsville City Council to create and produce HALO 2021 for the community.”
National Australia Day Council Chief Executive Officer Karlie Brand said the role of local governments bringing communities together on our national day has never been more important.
“That’s why the National Australia Day Council has provided $15 million in grants to Australian councils and not-for-profit organisations for Australia Day events in 2021,” she said.
“The National Australia Day Council is delighted to be supporting Townsville City Council to deliver an Australia Day that encourages its community to come together and reflect, respect and celebrate.”
The core mission of the National Australia Day Council is to actively promote our national day to all Australians to inspire national pride and increase participation and engagement across all sectors of the community.
HALO has been funded as part of Council’s and the National Australia Day Council’s Northern Stories and is being delivered in partnership with AGB Events and Iplex Pipelines.
Watch the Promo Video below:
