Queensland Rail has unveiled a new Indigenous design adorning the carriages of its iconic Inlander train.
Traveling between Townsville and Mount Isa the newly wrapped train made its track debut last week, carrying customers from the two areas.
Titled 'Tracks Across Country' the new artwork featured on the train was created by Indigenous artist and Proud Wakka Wakka man David Williams and his creative team at Gilimbaa.
Williams said the artwork was inspired by the diversity of landscapes found in Queensland.
"It's an artwork that showcases the diversity of landscapes to be found right across Queensland," he said.
"It pays respect to our knowledge systems that have been passed down through many generations to allow us to practice our culture today. It recognises the importance of ancient trading routes that have become the tracks that we still follow today. The artwork makes you think about how wherever we go in Queensland, we can deepen our understanding of place and immerse ourselves in the spirit of its people.I hope it helps to strengthen relationships and understanding for all passengers and staff."
Works to install the artwork were undertaken during a scheduled closure of the Mount Isa line from the 2nd to the 11th of June, allowing essential maintenance and creative works to be completed efficiently while the train was offline.
The carriages were wrapped by Queensland-based contractor, Signature Signs at the UGL facility in Townsville where the train undergoes regular maintenance.
Queensland Rail head of regional Scott Cornish said the project reflected Queensland Rail's commitment to connecting communities and celebrating First Nations culture and storytelling.
"After discussions with our First Nations representatives and rollingstock maintenance team, we identified a great opportunity to update the external look of our Outback train carriages," he said.
"This artwork is a celebration of culture and reminds us that even though people and places can feel very far apart, our journey points are all connected.
"A huge thanks to David Williams, his creative team at Gilimbaa and the maintenance crews who have delivered the new design which we are honoured to share with our customers."
Queensland Rail continues to seek opportunities to work with Indigenous artists and businesses that originate from and work across Queensland, including Outback regions where Tracks Across Country will travel.
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