Marymount Primary School unveils three-story mural of the Mother of Jesus

Driving along Reedy Creek Road in Burleigh Waters, you might now catch a glimpse of the Virgin Mary, illuminated on Marymount Primary School’s new $9 million Marian Centre.

The three-storey mural was brought to life with spray cans, highlighting the first beginnings of Marymount Primary School, including the verandas of Infant Saviour Church, which were used as classrooms some 52 years ago.

The Burleigh Waters mural was painted by a Brisbane Catholic Education past pupil and artist, Austin Moncrief who attended St Francis Xavier, Runaway Bay. 

In the presence of Mary

Marymount Primary School Principal Brendan Creevey said, “the mural took two weeks to complete, with thestudents captivated throughout the painting process”.

“Our students watched in awe as the image of Mary emerged, and their excitement grew until the final masterpiece was revealed,” he said.

“The central location of our Marian Centre made it the perfect canvas for a significant piece of art that could be seen from all corners of the school, and even from the busy Reedy Creek Road.”

Student voice

Brendan adds it was his Year 5 and 6 students who came up with the idea to include Infant Saviour Church in the design.

“Student voice and agency were an important part of the process for us,” he said.

“It was truly beautiful to listen to our students' interpretations of the mural.

“The consultation process allows our students to see themselves in the mural.”

Brendan said, “the mural has become a cherished part of our campus, with students often sitting beneath it, feeling as if they are in the presence of Mary herself”.

“This beautiful artwork not only enhances our school's aesthetic but also brings our Catholic Christian tradition to life in a profoundly humbling way.”

Marian Centre

The $9 million Marian Centre now houses a state-of-the-art library, six Year 6 classrooms, Student Support, and IT team. 

 The Marian Centre was named in honour of Marymount Primary School’s Marian Charism.

 For more information about Marymount Primary School, Burleigh Waters or to enrol click here.

 Fast facts about Marymount Primary School, Burleigh Waters

1. In 1959, Father Frank Shine saw the need to provide a Catholic education for secondary students in the southern end of the Gold Coast, and out of this idea Marymount College was born.

2. At the time, people questioned his decision as the land was out of town and surrounded by bushland.

3. In 1971, Infant Saviour Primary School, now known as Marymount Primary School, had grown to 264 students. Due to a lack of space at Infant Saviour Church, the school was relocated to the Marymount College site and was fully functional by 1974.

4. The Primary Schoolnow proudly educates over 1000 students, the largest Catholic Primary School in our State and the College over 1300 students.

5. Current day Marymountboasts access to the latest facilities, including a swimming pool.

 Image caption: Marymount Primary School, Burleigh Waters students pose for photo infront of their new school mural. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Marymount Primary School, Burleigh Waters (2025).