MAYORAL candidate Tim Overall wants to celebrate the achievements of Queanbeyan residents, past and present, in a new cultural gallery.

Overall, who is seeking a second term as mayor at the September 8 Local Government Elections, says: “While Queanbeyan is recognised for the considerable sporting talent to have emerged from our city, we also have many artists, writers, actors and musicians who have achieved success on both the national and international stages that also deserve wider acknowledgement.”

Overall suggests some of those who could feature in the gallery might include  George Lazenby, the youngest, tallest and only Australian actor to ever to play the iconic James Bond; the four-time Oscar special effects nominee Ben Snow, playwright Tommy Murphy, dancer Dimity Azoury, artist Margaret Hadfield and ARIA-award winning rapper Hau Latukefu.

“The breadth of talent to have already emerged from our city and which is continuing to develop is quite amazing. This year Queanbeyan even made it to the finals of ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ with musician Owen Campbell. Accordingly, it’s important we create a greater awareness and recognition of such achievements and pay tribute to these wonderful cultural ambassadors of our city.”

“The ‘Q’ would be a great space for this gallery – which I envision will consist of framed biographies and perhaps examples of works, awards and other interesting memorabilia, but equally, the Bicentennial Hall would provide a larger area for a more comprehensive display.”

Photo: Council candidates Tim Overall and Trudy Taylor.