Muni Street, Hope Vale QLD, Australia (2021)

Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council on Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula has upgraded a community meeting place in the town’s main street, where locals can gather and chat in the shade throughout the day.

With a population of around 1500, the Hope Vale township is approximately 45 minutes drive north of Cooktown. The shire spans some 110,000ha of vast and varied landscape. Since before European settlement at least thirteen Aboriginal clans have cared for and managed Country in the area. The groups speak mostly Guugu Yimithirr and other related languages.

The focal point of the Muni Street site is a community ‘Tree of Knowledge.’ This large tree shades a gathering place, surrounded by a ring of seating.

Council have selected the Aria Seating System to curve around the tree in sections, powder coated in Sensation Orange, Lobster Red and Textura Monument.

The orange and red are Durabright colours, an anti-fade powder coat range designed to stay brighter for longer under the Australian sun. The Textura powder coat is highly durable, anti-mar, and is easily cleaned with soapy water.

The street upgrade also features some Escola Bin Enclosures to help keep the area tidy.

Council says the furniture has so far been “well received” by the community and is “standing up well” to tough local conditions in Queensland’s tropical north.