Fires on top of mountains- what's in a name?

Fires on Top of Mountains

Why Fires on Top of Mountains as a name?

Fires have been lit on mountain tops across this region for millennia by Indigenous communities. These fires served to warn, to invite, to celebrate. In 1937 beacon fires were lit across Queensland to mark the coronation of King George V1, during WW2 beacon fires were lit around the mountains of Canungra as a signal for troops training in the area. The announcement of armistice at the end of the war was marked by beacon fires. Beacons were also lit for the bicentennial and most recently across the United Kingdom to mark the Queens 90th birthday.

In considering how we might creatively engage with the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast we looked at the way fire bands people together, how it is ceremonial, warming, welcoming and a powerfull element to be reckoned with. 

If we could we would light beacon fires on all the mountain tops of the Scenic Rim, in fact across Queensland, across the Pacific or the Commonwealth as a way of sharing our connection, our common humanity.....

Alas logistics and the resources of our Fire Brigades and specialist services that could make that happen will have their hands full during the games. Undeterred we are planning a cultural program that is built around a shared story, a passion to creatively express our connection to this unique place and to each other. 

Fires on Top of Mountains will include a number of fire projects , street parties and gatherings across the region and will culminate in a fire finale on Wyaraling dam.