Cheeks on Seats

Cheeks on Seats is a Redlands City Council/Macleay Island community partnership. The name “Cheeks on Seats” was chosen as cheeks come into play when you drive, paddle, ride your bike or walk there. And then, of course, you sit on them.

A major part of the project is to identify water access and viewing locations and provide a seat to create a “place” to enjoy the view, serenity, birdlife, the sound of the water, to reflect or even launch a kayak. Another very important aspect is for the community to come together and work with Council to demonstrate a strong sense of harmony and positivity.

Our First Seat
Lovingly created by local sculptor Ted Upton using Mahogany Gum, Paper Bark and Bloodwood, this seat will be erected in memory of Jane Swann, a lovely intelligent young woman, 1982 - 2012.

The Mariners Seat
Sculptor Ted Upton sitting on the Mariners Seat he created. This seat is placed near the Boat Ramp at Dalpura.

On 28th October 2013, a group of islanders met Councillor Mark Edwards to celebrate the placement of this delightful seat.

Suggested Sites
All of the possible sites will be on Council land, many adjacent to the Heritage/Nature Trail and the majority are as yet unknown to the greater community. Some have the potential to include tables and all offer stunning views and beautiful locations.

Cr. Mark Edwards and RCC Officers Angela Wright, Frank Pearce, Meg Warnock and Cameron Mackay have provided incredibly positive support and guidance to the Working Party.

Two of the seats designed and sculpted by Ted Upton from island timber.
Calligraphy by Ruth Venner. Ready for installation

Volunteer to help
Council has generously provided some funding but we can take the number of island style seats to a much higher level by fundraising. YOU can help here by making a donation, attending an event, purchasing a tribute seat dedicated to someone special or encouraging your club to support “Cheeks on Seats”.

This project is a trial of a possible new way forward for the Islands and the greater community. It is up to us to make it work. The final outcome if we come together to achieve this is enormous. Macleay Island will become known as that “cheeky little island” with an amazing range of quirky and different seats at stunning locations. To get all the information or suggest a location, please contact Maddi on 3409 4545 or Guy on 3409 5859