Logan City Council is seeking to honour one of the City of Logan's most prominent artists whose work hangs in the Vatican Museums' art collection in Rome.
Community consultation will be undertaken on a proposal to name the Berrinba Wetlands Interpretive Centre in honour of Aboriginal Elder and renowned artist Reginald Roy Knox.
Uncle Reg, as he was known, died last year leaving behind a legacy of work which included magnificent oil paintings, sculptures and drawings as well as murals in many South East Queensland schools promoting reconciliation and unity.
He was commissioned in 1986 to create one of his artworks as a gift for the late Pope John Paul II on his Papal visit to Australia.
Uncle Reg was born at Toomelah Aboriginal Mission in 1934 and lived in the City of Logan for 50 years.
He was admired and respected for his outstanding artwork as well as his contribution to the community and commitment to working with young people.
Uncle Reg's artistic ability is recognised locally, nationally, and internationally with many of his works being sold and shown in galleries both locally and overseas.
Through his art, Uncle Reg was involved with many institutions including respite centres, correctional centres and museums.
He also spent many years working with secondary school students at risk.
A quiet achiever, Uncle Reg voluntarily assisted many community organisations building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
City Lifestyle Chair Councillor Laurie Koranski said Council was considering honouring Uncle Reg by naming the Berrinba Interpretive Centre after him because he was one of the City of Logan's most prominent and enduring artists.
"His creative contribution deserves to be highlighted and celebrated as he left an invaluable legacy for future generations to experience and enjoy," Cr Koranski said.
"We hope the community will feel the same way."
Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, whose Division 5 includes Berrinba Wetlands, suggested Council consider naming the Interpretive Centre in Uncle Reg's honour after an approach by his family to have a park named after him.
"I felt this could be an ideal way to honour Uncle Reg and ensure his lifetime achievements are never forgotten," Cr Raven said.
It is also proposed some of Uncle Reg's artwork or other First Nation's artwork supported by the Knox family and the First Nations community could be showcased at the centre.
The community consultation process for the proposed naming of the centre will involve engagement with First Nations representatives before opening for input from the wider community through Council's 'Have Your Say' platform in mid-July.
