A Bronzed Aussie and his Blue Heeler Dog

In the grassed area near Picnic Island at South Bank Parklands stands the sculpture A Bronzed Aussie and his Blue Heeler Dog. This is near the Stanley Street entrance to the Parklands. The sculpture depicts the traditional image of a strong country male with his faithful dog at his side. The statue was commissioned in 1980's for the then new AMP Building in the CBD. This came about from a comment by Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen. At the official opening of the building she mentioned that the new building and the neighbouring building looked like 'a bronzed Aussie and his Blue Heeler dog.'

The associated plaque doesn't acknowledge who the sculptor is, and I haven't been able to find out from any follow up research. The statue was gifted to the South Bank corporation when the AMP Building foyer underwent refurbishment. The concept of the Bronzed Aussie is a national personification of the weather beaten but proudly strong Australian "battler". The bronzing comes from the constant sun endured by much outside work. The Blue Heeler is a faithful Australian cattle dog, portrayed here as loyally sitting by his master.

This really is an Australian sculpture. You don't get much more Aussie in representation than this, and the Queensland association is quite strong, as the sun burns brighter up here! The hands on hip defiant posture, the thick bushy moustache and the rolled up sleeves all show a man ready to work. It could be for shearing sheep, for herding cattle or for a session of fence fixin'. Regardless, our man is up to the task, and he'll knock down a cold beer afterwards. And all through it, his faithful Bluey will remain close by his side.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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