General News
28 May, 2025
Big Cassowary making big strides for Kuranda
THE countdown is on for a giant cassowary to grace Centenary Park in Kuranda with a new campaign to have it fully funded and under construction by the end of the year.
The proposed four-metre high “Big Cassowary” is on a timeline after the design and launch of a business sponsorship drive and public awareness campaign began in April.
“We already have $30,000 secured for the project,” project team member, Jurg Jutzi, said.
“That has come from the Cassowary Art Trail, the Kuranda Conservation Community Nursery and the former Kuranda Trader Association.
“We now hope to get local businesses behind us, and people can also make donations.”
The Big Cassowary complements the Cassowary Art Trail (CAT) of which Mr Jutzi was project founder and director.
Supported by the Kuranda Conservation Community Nursery and the Mareeba Shire Council, CAT, launched in 2022, has created seven life-sized cassowaries, each painted with unique designs by local artists, and placed in locations in Kuranda, Port Douglas, Wangetti and Palmerston.
“Together with the art trail cassowaries, we believe that with the Big Cassowary, we are creating a special, must-see feature for the region while also creating a broader awareness for the Southern Cassowary,” Mr Jutzi said.
“Both the Big Cassowary statue and the native bird are major drawcards to our region.”
Buluwanydji traditional owner, cultural custodian and Elder, Willie Brim, said the Big Cassowary in the heart of Kuranda was “a deadly idea”.
“The cassowary is an extremely important part of the local Aboriginal culture. For us, this bird is bigger than life – as it represents life itself – we believe all life comes from the cassowary egg,” he said in a statement supporting the campaign.
“We honour the cassowary and thank this totem for its critical role in the distribution of seeds for the millenia, so we can live in (and people can visit) this beautiful place in the rainforest, known as Kuranda.”
The sponsorship drive will support the construction of the Big Cassowary as a permanent sculpture in Centenary Park, after the Mareeba Shire Council approved the location last year.
In offering the site, Mayor Angela Toppin said the council was “excited to endorse the giant cassowary statue in Centenary Park” and commended the CAT and Nursery team for their passion and creativity.
“The Big Cassowary will be a bright and unique attraction as well as spreading the message of conservation,” she said.
Pledges to support the project can be made until the end of October and payment is due in November.
“We have had a lot of great, positive feedback since we uploaded the sponsorship information on our website,” Mr Jutzi said.
However, he said if the target of $90,400 is not successful, the project could be shelved and pledges nullified.
“We have to draw a line in the sand, but you know, if we get 80 % of the funding by November we could postpone for a few weeks but still go ahead as planned,” Mr Jutzi said.
Funds must cover payment to the manufacturer, Natureworks, by 1 December. Funding was also allocated for signage, sponsorship recognition, media, marketing and merchandise opportunities, as well as an official launch, expected in 2026.
And if all goes to plan, there could be a few eggs and chicks joining the sculpture in 2027.
The sponsorship drive comes with limited spots for silver, gold and platinum sponsors and other tiers based on the amount pledged, and length of time being a sponsor, including options to create permanent exposure available on a large sign adjacent to the Big Cassowary.
All options and sponsorship pledge forms, as well as how to make a direct donation, are now available on the website page www.cassowarytrail.com.au/big-cassowary.
