‘Welcome’ celebration of friendly battles

Welcome, an Indigenous artwork recognising Suncorp Stadium’s heritage as a gathering place for friendly battles has been unveiled ahead of this weekend’s NRL Magic Round.

The artwork, featuring 25 laser-cut steel hunting boomerangs with welcome greetings in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language dialects, was unveiled today by Traditional Owners.

At Welcome’s unveiling, Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Suncorp Stadium precinct and surrounding area had a long history as a meeting place.

“For more than 100 years, this place has brought together sporting spectators from far and wide,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“As Suncorp Stadium, this is a well-known gathering place for local, national and international sporting and entertainment events.

“It’s believed this area was where Aboriginal clans from around South East Queensland met and were entertained with friendly displays of combat.  

“Welcome - the artwork created by Dr Bianca Beetson – celebrates the Suncorp Stadium as a contemporary gathering place.

“The artwork has been revealed ahead of this weekend’s NRL Magic Round where 130,000 Queenslanders and visitors will gather for three days of friendly on-field battles.”   

Artist Dr Beetson is a Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi (Sunshine Coast) Waradjuri (NSW) woman.

Dr Beetson said Welcome’s 25 boomerangs and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander greeting messages recognise Queenslanders’ connection with Suncorp Stadium as a place where ‘all mob feel welcome’.

“These words of greetings translate to ‘G’day’, ‘Hello’, ‘Are you good?’, ‘Good morning’, ‘How are you?’ and ‘Welcome’,” Dr Beetson said.

Welcome is located at Suncorp Stadium’s Gate F entry where it will be seen by spectators on game days and the wider community on non-event days.


See some photos from the unveiling below.




Suncorp Stadium General Manager Alan Graham introducing the proceedings.




Artist Dr. Bianca Beetson speaking about her work titled 'Welcome'.



Sports Minister Hon Stiling Hinchliffe MP speaking ahead of the unveil



Bianca Beetson, 'Welcome', 2022 - Corten Steel



Dr Beetson and Mr Hinchliffe inspecting the artwork



Dr Beetson and Mr Hinchliffe reading the artwork's accompanying plaque



Some of the Artie Academy were on hand to see the unveiling of the new artwork