Stars on display at Police Headquarter, Queensland Police says
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has now created over 15,000 stars as part of the One Million Stars to End Violence Project which aims to encourage individuals, groups and communities to join in the conversation of ending all forms of violence across the world. The One Million Stars project was created by Brisbane artist Maryann Talia Pau as her personal response to the rape and murder of Jill Meagher in 2012. Since then it has grown into an international weaving movement with stunning displays across the world.
The Queensland Government entered into a partnership with Maryann for the Gold Coast 2018 Arts and Cultural Program where One Million Stars will be featured in a special installation at the Commonwealth Games from April 4 – 15, 2018 as a peaceful statement against violence.
"The One Million Stars project is an opportunity for us to be the light and hope in the world and to make something beautiful and powerful together. The stars represent light, courage and solidarity to end all forms of violence, including violence against women, bullying and racism. Every star is a commitment to resist violence and revenge, to believe in forgiveness and healing," Maryann said.
QPS star weaving community members include Commissioner Ian Stewart and QPS executive members, Brisbane Region Police Liaison Officers, Police Citizen and Youth Clubs, school-based police officers, library services, Public Safety Business Agency areas and many others. Stars have been made across Queensland including Kowanyama, Mareeba and Mt Isa. Many police officers and staff members have taken the project home by weaving stars with their family and friends.
A display of 10,000 stars is hanging in the atrium of Police Headquarters until they are handed to the project next year. Each star requires two metres of ribbon and experienced star weavers can create a star in around three minutes. So far, we have used over 30,000 metres of ribbon.
The initial goal of QPS weaving 10,000 stars for the One Millions Stars project has been replaced with a new goal of 20-25,000 stars as our weaving community are very keen to continue to support this wonderful project.
Many more stars are needed, so become a star weaver today and weave your way into Commonwealth Games history. See here for Star Weaving Communities in your local area. State Libraries and PCYC’s are running star weaving workshops across Queensland.
