An initiative of Brisbane City Council

Artforce Brisbane
An initiative of Brisbane City Council

Bree McDonald

Newman Rode the Waves

Hamilton Rd & Newman Rd, Wavell Heights QLD
Meet Newman the octopus – a local legend with a road named in his honour! After escaping from Chermside Pool via the stormwater drains during the last downpour, he’s been spotted riding the waves through the Heights. He’s now found the perfect spot to pop up and say a cheerful ‘hello’ to his little friends at the kindy just across the road.
Box ID: B0076 (View Map Below)
Produced: June 2025

POP-UP SURPRISE

Graphic designer Bree McDonald has brought her artistic side to life through visual art and story-telling.

Her artwork features Newman the octopus, a local legend said to have escaped from Chermside Pool and ridden the stormwater waves through the Heights. Now, he’s popped up to greet his kindy friends just across the road, spreading smiles with his cheerful wave.

While Bree’s graphic design work keeps her busy, she’s always loved exploring art, especially since rediscovering the joy of creating during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Participating in Artforce Brisbane became the perfect opportunity to reconnect with that passion, share her work, and contribute to the city’s cultural landscape.

Register your interest 
to paint a traffic signal box

TO BE ELIGIBLE

You must be a resident of Brisbane ie. living within the Brisbane City Council area.
You must not be an employee of Brisbane City Council.
You must not have painted more than two traffic signal boxes in a four year period and not in consecutive years.

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