To mark 50 golden years of faith and community, St Francis Xavier Runaway Bay has given its surroundings a masterstroke of history—a stunning commissioned artwork! Now turning heads along a bustling Gold Coast street, this vibrant mural paints a picture of legacy, featuring the school’s namesake, Saint Francis Xavier, alongside symbols that hold special meaning for the local community.
Created by former student turned professional mural artist Austin Nitsua, St Francis Xavier Principal Ronan O’Mahony said the artwork was designed with community consultation and input from our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elder.
“We wanted to be able to offer a beautiful piece of art to residents on the daily commute while reconnecting the Church’s history for our students,” he said.
“We wanted to be able to offer a beautiful piece of art to residents on the daily commute, while reconnecting the Church’s history for our students,” he said.
“A secondary piece on the other side of our school showcases the friendship between St Francis Xavier and our patron saint, Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
“It’s a wonderful way to show our children why we pray in the Ignatius Tradition.
“In the main mural the rays of light is a reference to our school motto, ‘Let Your Light Shine’, and the seagull symbolises the site on which the school is located, which was originally tidal wetlands.”
St Francis Xavier will celebrate 50 years this year, after officially opening in January 1975, named after St Francis Xavier who was a man of faith and courage, inspiring love and whose mission was to bring Jesus to the world.
“Our hope is that our children will become more loving in their relationships with others, more courageous when faced with making choices in life, and more serving in their lifestyle, as was our patron St Francis Xavier,” Mr O’Mahony said.
Artist Austin said the project brought back fond memories of his attendance at the school, after arriving from New Zealand.
“It feels incredible to come full circle and work on a project for the school that gave me such a positive and nurturing start," says Austin.
"The memories I have here, especially the kindness of one teacher in particular, Mrs Anne Weston have stayed with me over the years.
“She played a huge role in making me feel welcome, and she always had a remarkable sense of care, which I’ll never forget."
Learn more about St Francis Xavier School Runaway Bay here.
Artist and former student Austin Nitsua with his mural at St Francis Xavier School Runaway Bay.
Parent, foundation student and local Elder Uncle Lann Levinge with his daughter Zara, who is currently in Year 1 at St Francis Xavier School Runaway Bay.
A second mural at St Francis Xavier School Runaway Bay showcases the friendship between St Francis Xavier and our patron saint, Saint Ignatius of Loyola.