Read postcards from future Queensland

We have been helping you to imagine a better Queensland, after COVID-19. And you have been writing back to us from that future. 

In our second challenge, we challenged you to write about unwrapping some fabulous new device that will change the way we live a year after lockdown. Dr Helen Marshall suggested you start by thinking about how your life has shifted in these past few months. What do you wish you could do better? What are you missing? What could help your family, your friends, and your community? The responses we got from you were inspiring! Through your eyes we got to see a future in which friends can connect instantly with the click of a button to hang out and create new memories. (Yeah, we’re really missing our friends too—and we would love one of the VR headsets so we could feel better connected to our loved ones across the globe!)

You thought of so many different things you wanted to change in the future. Juliette from Holland Park imagined a Calmer which could help with people struggling with anxiety and uncertainty. We also witnessed robot dogs, teleportation machines (much comfier than those cramped airline seats!), instant healers, digital assistants who can help out with your homework, and even a machine that judges your size perfectly so you can shop for clothes online.

Courtney, a grade twelve student from Toowoomba, captured the sense of how technologies might inspire a vision of a better world around us—even if we aren’t quite there yet.

Grace from Harristown showed a future that promises new possibilities while also stirring up fears about friends losing touch as they graduate. But in her imagination some upgraded versions of the technologies many of us have started using could actually help with that scary, exciting stage of life!

And so once again, it was difficult to select just 10 entries to display on our website. A big thank you to everyone who sent us a postcard and congratulations if your entry has been chosen. We have loved reading about everyone's dreams and visions, and your stories of another world beyond COVID-19 and we can't wait to read more.

Happy reading! 

Courtney S, Toowoomba 4350, Grade 12 student

A loud knock vibrates the trees above my house, sending leaves plummeting down like the tremble of hail on a tin roof on a stormy night. Opening my eyes to the harsh reality of loneliness as high school ended, and my friends have moved to different continents and the university futures that I imagined. In one slow movement, my feet hit the floor as the journey to the door begins. I open it to find a dull brown box that sparks a moment of curiosity and mystery. As the pressure in the box is released, a load of laughter and joy escapes a microscopic square of glass filled with letters all aligning a single phrase with emojis expressing your emotions. ZAP! A spark flies through my spine, a glitch in the system leading me into a room exploding with laughter, imagination, and life. A feeling of excitement and longing reappeared in my life after a year of isolation, allowing virtual interaction with friends on different continents, interacting through live board games, watching movies together. I never thought unwrapping a dull package would change my life forever. Now distance is no barrier for friendship.

Grace T, Harristown 4350, Grade 12 student 

The cool summer breeze lured her into the street where the grass, green and lush, sunk under her feet and tickled her toes. The uniform mumbling of ‘good afternoon’ between passers-by echoed past in the gentle wind. She smiled at the man across the street watering an assortment of peach, coral and red roses. She watched as the sun began its descent below the horizon, pinks and oranges spewed across the sky as if deliberately and perfectly painted. As the golden hues settled over suburbia, everyone turned to watch the sunset in awe. With one final breath in, the girl sighed and removed the mysterious goggles, carefully placing them back where they belonged. She looked hopefully toward the sky; dull and brown as if too many colours had been mixed together. Dead rose petals brushed her skin as they glided in the howling wind. The street was deserted and eerily quiet. She looked at the list of instructions attached to the goggles. The girl knew that with the right acrylics, she could facilitate the change Australia needed and paint the canvas of the future in vibrance.

Charlotte H, Chapel Hill 4069, Grade 12 student 

A dull thud resonates on the timber decking, creating an explosion of dust particles that infiltrate the sun’s bright rays. A rough, brown package perches teetering on my doorstep, struggling to regain balance having been dumped awkwardly. My fingers trace the perforated stamps and I resist the urge to shred the delicate wrapping. The air quivers with anticipation as I carefully secure the parcel in my trembling hands, desperate not to drop it. Thrusting aside last week’s newspaper, I set the package on the coffee table. I crouch on my haunches, ignoring the click of my knees and lean forward to examine the loopy scrawl embellishing the front. Exhilaration clutches my insides and I blush as my lips emit a high-pitched squeak. It has finally arrived! My fingers fumble the sticky seal, anxious to experiment with the new technology. Time behaves lethargically, teasing me as it gradually trickles past. Impatience overrides my calm temperament and I attack the parcel, clawing the tape and tearing the paper viciously until thin box tumbles out, landing lightly on the table. DIY Hologram Kit – virtual catch-ups in 3D!, the title screams. I grin. The future has arrived.

Alanah C, Toowoomba 4350, Grade 12 student

I finally hear him. I crawl out of my dark room like a mammal after hibernation as the footsteps of the delivery man on the front veranda become louder and louder. I never thought I’d be this excited about a mundane brown box. Out of sheer habit, he places the package on my doorstep and retreats back to the Volkswagen Transporter. I run and snatch up the package, placing it down on the kitchen table before sanitizing my hands. As I open the box, pink Styrofoam flies out, clinging to my hair and making it frizz as though I was a curious kid rubbing a balloon on my hair. As I draw it out, the words ‘past’ and ‘future’ are deeply engraved onto the metallic silver edge. For the past few months, my only wish has been to go back before the rise of COVID19. But, would things really be the same? I guess I’ll find out. My hands are trembling as I slowly place the goggles over my teary eyes. I think of how happy I was before the outbreak, how dry my eyes used to be. Beginning to cry, I take a deep breath, and finally, press ‘past’.

Ruby S, Kenmore 4060, Grade 8 student

Juliette P, Holland Park 4121, Grade 11 student

Hi Hannah! 
I know I can just text or facetime you, but I thought this could be cute. You won't believe what happened today - my Calmer finally came! It's crazy that I used to refuse to take any unnecessary medicine, but hey, weirder things have happened. Hopefully now I can go outside without having a panic attack. I actually went to the café yesterday, but could only stay for five minutes before freaking out. I just couldn’t stop looking at the food, and wondering who had breathed on it, who had coughed while in my chair, who had touched my menu - anyway it was progress. Hopefully with Calmer the process will speed up, and I'll be able to see you. I know it been almost a year, but please don’t be mad at me. I miss you intensely, I really do, but I don’t want to see you until I'm normal again, until I won't freak out when you breathe near me. I understand if it's hard for you to comprehend - I saw on snap that you went to a party. But I guess it's just changed some of us in different ways. 
Love and miss you forever, 
Katie

Sophie K, McDowall 4053, Grade 7 student

“Yes! They’re finally here!” I shout into the house. I rush inside and tear the tape off the wonderful package. The box is slowly opened. Everyone looks at me. I carefully lift the bubble wrap and stare at the small sheets of cotton. It is unbelievable that those four tiny things could be something so amazing. One year after lockdown it was no wonder that these beauties had been made to celebrate the anniversary. We had all experienced how hard it was to concentrate when you work at home. So, they made a portable box that you attach to the ceiling using detachable hooks and super strong string. This creation is remote controlled so you can have them folded on the ceiling or down over your workspace. Did I mention that they are adjustable so you can fit them over any desk? You sit there for one minute and it detects the most relaxing sound and/or picture for you at that moment! You can write messages to anyone on the same wifi if you have permission. The best thing is that you cannot enter someone else's box without their permission! I can’t wait to try it out!

Jack W, Pittsworth 4356, Grade 12 student 

Running down the stairs, in the cold misty morning with the smell of smoke from the tired chimneys in the background. I see a new box to open on the table. I pick it up and open it, receiving bonus coins for my game. A notification then pops up in front of me telling me that my friends want me to join the meeting. With my mind I tell my VR contact lenses to take me to the meeting; suddenly a wave of colour comes over the room transporting me to a meeting with me friends. We banter and talk about new games coming out and telling stories about our experiences of running into other online users. As I tell a grand story to all my friends someone grabs my arm, I quickly tell my Virtual Lenses to switch off in my head, the room dissolves away and my mum is in front of me, the look of anger and frustration overpowering my expression of confusion. She tells me to go it bed as it is 2 in the morning and I am being too loud. I lie down in bed thinking about what I should do online tomorrow.

Hailey H, Kenmore 4069, Grade 12 student

Okay, open your eyes now!' 

Light momentarily blinds me as I lift my hands in the small kitchen. But I can't believe what I'm seeing....
'But how...?'

'Don't worry about it, just try them on! Go on!'

I can tell my mum is trying to hold back the tears as she hands me the braces. They're lighter then I thought. Smooth plastic and metal feels cold under my fingers as I hesitate to put them on. 

This will change my life. Nothing can be the same after this. 

Taking a final deep breath, I lean in my chair over my immobile legs and strap the braces around my calves. Slowly, I sit back straight in my chair. I'm suddenly very aware of my body, and the nervous tension in the room. 

The blood has left my head and I feel my stomach rising in my throat. My pulse is fast. Too fast. 

Mum takes my hand and I look up to her eyes. Worry-lines and an anxious expression sculpt her face, but that doesn't mask her beauty. Wrapping my finger around hers, she lifts me out of the chair.

It's surreal... I wobble slightly and fall into my mum's chest. Finally remembering to breathe, I steady myself with the kitchen counter, then let my weight fall on my legs completely. 

I can't help but smile as my mum as she falls to the floor sobbing with joy. Tears start to fall from my face too, but I'm still smiling.

I'm standing.

Aishah P, South Maclean 4280, Grade 11 student 

Excitedly, I ripped open the box, the colourful wrapping strewn across the floor. For a brief moment, I hesitated, my figure looming above the box. "Go on, see what's inside," My mum whispered softly, gently placing her hand on my back as if to encourage me. I nodded once and then pulled out the object that was inside; it was cold to the touch. I stared curiously at the small piece of metal, fiddling with it in my hands and turning it over. My parents looked down at me, smiling. They looked as if they were trying desperately to refrain from blurting out what it was. I blinked - what was this thing? Staring at it for another moment longer, I suddenly felt a wave of excitement wash over me as I happily looked up. 
"I know what this is!" I exclaimed triumphantly, standing up almost too quickly and nearly tripping over. I regained my balanced and hurriedly set it down onto the wooden table. "This is the thing that I've been seeing on the ads recently...!" 
"You're correct, honey," My dad smiled. I hugged them both, wrapping my arms tightly around them. 
"Thank you," I murmured into their warm bodies. "This must have cost a fortune..." 
"It was worth it, I hope," My mum laughed, nudging me away slightly. "Go on, try it. We have already connected it to your phone. But pick your grandma's contact, alright? It only works when the other person has it, too."
I nodded anxiously as I pressed my shaky finger against the small black button. Suddenly, a list of all my contacts appeared in the air, hovering silently above the small metal object. Curiously, I tapped one, and after a few moments my grandmother appeared right before me. "Nan!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening as I took several steps backwards. She was in blue pixels, and I could see her frail body as she smiled gently, hovering in the air peacefully. My eyes glazed as I stared at her - this way, I could actually see her properly, as if she was almost there. I raised my hand and moved it through her. Of course, I couldn't actually touch her, but it was something, at least. Smiling, I couldn't help but to burst out, "I feel like I'm in Star Wars or something!"

In our third challenge, we wanted you to write about a conversation during a first date two years after the lockdown. This was a tricky one! Kim suggested you think about the background of the speakers. Who are they? How are they different from one another? How might this inform their perspective?

The stories you sent us showed a world where your potential sweethearts had radically different experiences of lockdown. Some wanted to take what they had learned and move forward while others were eager for things to get back to normal. The rituals of a first date also felt different. Who felt comfortable hugging? What venues were open? Was a first kiss on the cards? Or will we be stuck in virtual hangouts for years?

A big thank you again to everyone who sent us a postcard! Here are some our favourites from this week's challenge. Happy reading! 

 Two years after lockdown

Shae A, St Lucia 4067, University student 

"All I remember about the lockdown was being out of baking powder for a month because everyone suddenly needed to be Nigella. Can’t even remember what I watched on Netflix.”
“Ha! God, I do. Locked in for ten weeks, homeschooling a pre-teen and a kid with ADHD. It’s burned into my soul. It’s a point-in-time marker for me, in so many ways.”
“Why’s that?”
Ah…well, because, I mostly just stopped caring what men think. Morrison, Johnson, Trump, they were worse than useless. Their stupidity, the system that upheld them, killed so many people.”
“True, but what’s that got to do with men? They’re politicians, well, they were.”
“The political system is so masculine, so adversarial. The loudest, most polarizing, wins.”
“It still is, isn’t it?”
“Yes, yes. Of course, yes. But, I think women have changed. Are changing. All that Epstein and Weinstein and Trump stuff was still going on and when it really hit the fan, women started looking at all the ways they were complicit and didn’t need to be anymore to survive. We really could say ‘no more’.”
“That’s funny.”
“Why?”
“Because, men still don’t care if we’re listening or not.”
“Hashtag, notallmen?”
“Is that ever going to die?”
“Ha! Probably not. I don’t think it matters. Women are listening to each other, only good can come of that.”

Hailey H, Kenmore 4069, Grade 12 student

'Hey!'
'Hi. You happy to go this way?'
'Yep, lead on.'
'You look good today.'
'Thank you, you too...'
'Your hair has really grown out in the last year.'
'Yeah, well, that haircut I gave myself in the lock-down wasn't the best of decisions. My mum even thought of buying me a wig.'
'Whoa... It didn't look bad to me. Besides, there were plenty of other worse things people did in lock down that are less temporary.'
'Such as?'
'Well, plenty of people got scammed after buying online... And I've heard that gaming addiction grew during that time. I guess there's also a surge in domestic violence and... Well I won't bore you with anything else. That was years ago.'
'I get what you mean though. Bad things came from that time, but I guess good things happened as well.'
'Oh, definitely.'
'I mean remember all those environment changes... All over the world just after a month there were improvements not seen for years.'
'I couldn't believe it at the time. You always hear about how the human race is going to cause their own extinction in Geo and on the news... It was just too good to be true when there was hope in the middle of it.'
'Well, it is true. And maybe this could mean there are things we all change to prevent doomsday. Can we sit down over there? It's got a nice view of the river.'
'Sure. And I hope you're right about that change. It would be nice to think we can make a difference after all.'

Charlotte H, Chapel Hill 4069, Grade 12 student 

“Hey!”
“Hi.”
“Is here good, or would you prefer the back row?”
“Let’s go to the back row, otherwise the screen is too close.”
“After you.”
“No, after you.”
“Okay, thanks.”

……

“Well that was a weird movie.”
“I actually really liked it!”
“You don’t have to pretend to like it, just because I picked it.”
“No, honestly, I thought it was clever to show the impact of the coronavirus from an animal’s perspective.” 
“C’mon. A pug? Besides, the coronavirus was so long ago now, I thought people had gotten over it.”
“Well the dogs would definitely have noticed a difference, having their owners around all the time. That’s why we are all so much fitter these days, dogs included. The extra exercise really benefited society!”
“My dog just slept all day. Actually so did I.”
“Errr… right. Well, everyone else.”
“Can we talk about something else. That virus is old news.”
“But just think how much we’ve learnt from it, I mean – ”
“You’re still talking about it.”
“Fine then. I just remembered I have this…um…thing I have to be at.”
“You’re leaving already? Can we see each other on Tuesday?”
“Yeah…maybe. Sorry, gotta run.”

Ruby S, Kenmore 4060, Grade 8 student

I make my way through the restaurant to the booked table but my date is already here. I'm relieved he actually looks like his picture since tinder is so unreliable.
"G'day Emma!" His voice overpowers the restaurant din by at least ten decibels. Before I can respond, he sweeps me into a tight hug. So much for boundaries.
"Uh- Hi, I'm guessing you're Mark?" I respond.
"The one and only." It was hard to tell if he was being cocky or just himself. Either way, his loud voice was causing many people to stare. In Tasmania, the locals are used to quiet but Australians on the mainland are the complete opposite.
"I'm so glad we can finally travel without worrying." Mark jolts me out of my thoughts.
"Yes, it is good. Especially since all aeroplanes use green energy now." Finally, I had started a conversation.
"Oh, I didn't think you had them over here," Mark was definitely cocky,
"How do they work?"
"Well, they use the high pressure of air around the plane as fuel."
"Wow, I guess the pandemic did have some good outcomes." He practically shouted. I rolled my eyes; this was going to be a long night. 

Sophie K, McDowall 4053, Grade 7 student

Walking into my favourite coffee shop I squirted some hand sanitiser on my hands and sat down. Hovering my hand over a small disk on the table, I read the holographic menu that appeared in front of me and then sent for a waiter with a flick of my wrist. It was unbelievable that all this technology had been made only 2 years after covid-19! Suddenly the door creaked. Wait, what? Nobody ever came to this coffee shop! You had to have a special access card to open the doors without touching anything. I stared curiously at the girl who just walked in, she looked around my age. Not wanting to miss a chance to socialise I quickly invited her over. Sitting 1.5 metres apart we chatted about the newest trends and how our lives had changed since lockdown. Our food arrived and we ate, all of a sudden awkward. I stared at her immaculate hair and promptly got the feeling that I knew her. Feeling a little silly, I realised I had forgotten to ask her name. Is this what the world was coming to?

Aishah P, South Maclean 4280, Grade 11 student 

"So... erm..." 
"You look like you want to say something." 
"Oh... yes! Uh... I'd just like to say that I'm so glad to be here on this date with you!" 
"I'm glad, too."
"It's funny, isn't it...? To think that two years ago, in the year 2020, we wouldn't have been allowed on this date, in the cinemas... just to simply watch a movie. Shocking, right?" 
"Mhm. But we're in 2022. We can move forward now." 
"I know... but still. It was so bizarre. And what's even more bizarre is how society has changed..." 
"And how has society changed, exactly?"
"Oh... uh, well in many ways! For example, people are so grateful to be able to be out in public now... like us! Everyone is so much more grateful for the positive things life offers them..." 
"That's true. But, still, it hasn't changed much, in all honesty. People are grateful now; but soon they will forget about it, and their selfish ways will go back to normal..."
"That's so harsh...!" 
"Well, it is what it is. Now, the movie is about to start..." 
"Oh, oh! I also thought of another example! The environment seems way healthier now..."
"Yeah, but that won't last long, will it?"
"Geez... so negative, aren't you?" 
"The movie is about to start, will you hush?" 
"Wait...! Another example is that schools have changed drastically now, but in a good way-" 
"Will you please be quiet?!" 
"SORRY! Geez..." 
"Thank you." 
"Oh, not to mention the-" 
"Goddammit. Just stop it, will you? I'm regretting coming here... maybe not being able to go out on dates was a good thing, huh?"

Lexi D, Moggill 4070, Grade 8 student 

“Hi! So, uh, this is cool. The sunrise is really pretty...”
“Yeah…”
“I remember that we would never have been able to go out two years ago around this time. We’ve, uh, grown up a lot since then.”
“Maybe. Isolation wasn’t hard, though. We pretty much played games all day!”
“Well, you did! I actually did my schoolwork like we were supposed to do.”
“Yeah, well I did it too… it was easy.”
“You were never on WhatsApp so I can’t confirm that.”
“Well, yes, but you-“
“It reminds me how much we’ve changed – as a society. And our group changed a lot, too.”
“I know, right! Our friends can actually socialise now without running away screaming.”
“Yup! … Uh, this is awkward…”
“You think?”
“Actually, yes I do think. Thinking is part of our everyday lives.”
“Wow.”
“I wonder if people would hoard again if another crisis came...”
“Probably. Some people never change.”
“Maybe authorities will be stricter next time.”
“Maybe, but it’s unlikely there’s going to be another outbreak.”
“Yeah. Well, uh, this was nice, but I’ve got to go – my sister is waiting for me.”
“Um, bye!” 
“Bye. Maybe we can hang out later?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks, I’ll uh, sort it out and tell you the details. See you then!”

Matilda E, Samford Valley 4520, Grade 7 student

Aubrey: ‘Um, hi?’
Aaron: ‘Oh! I didn’t see you there! My apologies, I’m Aaron.’
Aubrey: ‘That’s ok, I’m Aubrey.’
Aaron: ‘It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Aubrey.’
Aubrey: ‘Uh, you too.’
Aaron: ‘Lovely. I feel like we’re going to be wonderful friends.’
Aubrey: ‘Ha! *snort* Me too.’
Aaron: ‘So what do you fancy for tea?’
Aubrey: ‘Oh, I don't drink tea, I’m more of a coffee person.’
Aaron: ‘Haha, how hilarious!’
Aubrey: ‘No, I don't drink tea. I wasn’t joking.’
Aaron: ‘Oh, I am sorry, I meant for a snack? Tea? What do you call it?’
Aubrey: ‘Ohhh, um...food?’
Aaron: ‘Okay then! What do you fancy for...food? It’s on me.’
Aubrey: ‘Oh no, I’ll pay! And if you say no, I’ll be angry for the rest of our date.’
Aaron: ‘Um...ok then?’

*one hour later*

Aubrey: ‘Wow, I feel that ever since coronavirus happened, people have been more...oh, I dont know, Hygenic? And, more reserved, less likely to hug you, or kiss you...you know?
Aaron: *awkward cough* ‘Yes…*leans over to Aubrey* I won’t be reserved with you.*kisses Aubrey deeply*
Aubrey: ‘Woah, slow down there buddy. I was talking about corona, not kissing! But that was...nice.’
Aaron: *Blushes* Oh look! Our food is here! Heh…’
Aubrey: ‘So, back to coronavirus, what have you been noticing? Stuff that you like more after COVID?’
Aaron: ‘Hmm, people seem to enjoy their time around others more. Really savour it, you know? Like, you never know when it may be your last.’ *Looks deep into Aubreys eyes*
Aubrey: ‘Well I think that people are more open to change. Like, before this, everyone was just going on with their normal lives, and then, BAM! Coronavirus happens and everything is totally different! We work and learn at home, dont see friends or anything! It’s crazy.’

*a little while later*

Aaron: ‘Oh! Would you look at the time! I must be on my way, it has been great talking to you, Aubrey. Next time it’s on me, yeah? I cannot wait to see you again.’ *Starts to walk away*
Aubrey: ‘Wait!’ *walks over to Aaron quickly, stands on tiptoes and kisses Aaron on the cheek*
Aaron: *blushes deeply and turns around to look at her* ‘Oh. She’s gone. Goodbye to you too, Aubrey.’ *smiles shyly*

Montana R, Centenary Heights 4350, Grade 12 student 

His eyes meet with mine,
Like a ray of sunshine,
Something I missed while I was confined,
The sensations I missed—truly sublime.

It was as if the Earth was punishing us for our crimes,
The Earth needed to rejuvenate; it needed some time,
Once the pandemic was over there was laughing and crying,
Before and after, is like comparing a penny to a dime,
My relatives united, together they cracked open some wine.

We deserve this here and now, we’ve paid our fine,
It might be too early to say this, but I believe his heart and mine are intertwined,
Like coral to the ocean floor, to the sea which is brined,
Like stars in a constellation, we’re aligned.

Forests have regrown, from palms to pines,
Places of worship now thrive,
To the maker they thank, they have dedicated shrines,
Is it fate? Or is it just luck? Perhaps it’s just a sign.

Listen, sweet one, sure we can thank the divines,
It’s been two years since COVID-19 resigned,
But you know what’s important tonight?
That you’re here with me right now, that is why we are here to dine.

Brittany T, Mount Gravatt East 4122, University student 

Do you really think it's better though? I mean, really?

Could things have been handled better? Of course they could have but I think that we have grown because of it. Look around you. Look at the table over there making eye contact, seeing each other, really seeing each other instead of being on their phones. Look at the family celebrating the 18th on Table 8 that's celebrating with grandma, even though Grandma's on Zoom in New South Wales. Don't you think that human connection has become... better, even, more intimate?

It was like that before the pandemic though.

No, not really. I think isolation severed people in ways they didn't expect. I really think that now we are seeing connections which we might have previously taken for granted. Didn't we all miss someone during the crisis?

I suppose... I never really thought about it. I just mostly played video games in iso. 

Oh... Right.

In our fourth challenge, we wanted you to write about your hometown, pointing out any new local landmarks. For a writer, instilling a sense of place can be exceptionally exciting. Landscapes reflect the people who inhabit them: they change as we change. If you couldn’t get outdoors, Helen suggested a range of tools you could try out, like Google street view.

As we begin to come out of lockdown, even familiar spaces are starting to feel a bit different. Perhaps it is parks with fewer people using them or outdoor exercise equipment we haven’t been allowed to use. You imagined panic points and gigantomachy playgrounds, the hustle and bustle of new cafes and markets open for business, museums, and your favourite mountains, creeks and lookouts.

Here are a couple of our favourites from this week's challenge. Happy reading! 

 Three years after lockdown

Charlotte H, Chapel Hill 4069, Grade 12 student 

My bag straps slop clumsily over my shoulders as I jog along the pavement. A steady stream of gym-toned legs surges towards me and I suddenly find myself immersed in a sea of sweaty faces. I pick up my pace, eager to keep up. The crisp morning air burns my throat and I shiver slightly as a cool breeze tickles my bare arms. I crane my neck as we approach the curve in the path, carefully avoiding the sunrays emerging from behind Mt Coot-tha. My eyes wander towards the summit, skimming the tree-line in search of the newest council addition. I don’t bother attempting to erase the grin slowly spreading across my lips as I spot my target. I had been devastated when the pandemic had forced my local gym into temporary lockdown three years ago, and even when social restrictions began easing, I could still only attend once a week. Therefore, I’d been thrilled to hear that the city council would be setting up outdoor gym facilities around the state as part of the post-pandemic outdoor exercise scheme. Gone were the days of stifling indoor gyms and stuffy exercise studios. I smile to myself; I like this new Brisbane.

Aishah P, South Maclean 4280, Grade 11 student 

I strolled through the streets, walking on the cobble pathway as I tugged the leash. "Come on, this way," I spoke gently, as I turned corners and corners until I finally stopped. Glancing up, I watched as the sunlight directly hit the statue, twinkling at me. "This was built three years ago," I murmured to my dog, who was standing proudly with their nose tilted up in the air. "It was built to signify hope... unity... peace. After all the chaos from the virus... it was just we needed," I said, smiling as my bright eyes roved around all the people chatting, laughing and eating their meals together. My eyes twinkled as I lightly placed my finger on the statue, running it along; there was no dust. It was spotless as always.

"Oh, glad to see you back here!" A man from behind the food stall called out to me.

"Oh hey!" I called back, walking over, my eyes scanning the delicious salads and fruit drinks on the menu. "I just can't help it, y'know? I love this place. It's where everyone goes now!"

"I get what you mean, kiddo," He smiled, sighing contentedly as he looked around the area. "Now, what can I get for you this time around?"