This artwork reflects a piece of Hervey Bay's past that holds a special place in my family's story, the Hervey Bay Drive-In. Operating from 1970 to 1988, the drive-in was more than just a place to watch movies, it was a social hub and a backdrop to countless memories. For my wife's family, it was also home. Her parents managed the drive-in for many years, and she grew up in the house right beside it. She often recalls the long lines of cars stretched along the highway, families excited for a night out under the stars. She remembers sneaking over to the snack bar for a treat, or simply sitting at her bedroom window, watching the giant screen flicker to life. In painting this work, I wanted to honour those stories and preserve a legacy that many newer residents may not even know existed. The Hervey Bay Drive-In is gone, but it remains part of the fabric of belonging for families like ours and for a community that once gathered there. My intention is to spark recognition, conversation, and perhaps even a smile of nostalgia for those who remember, while introducing others to this treasured part of local history.

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