Leona Kyling statue sashed on International Women's Day 2018

The granddaughter of pioneer settlers John and Elizabeth Sherrin, Ms Kyling was the original owner of land on the corner of Middle and Waterloo streets in Cleveland. She passed away in 1975.

Now a dining precinct, the area is known as Kyling Corner.

Member of the Redlands Place Makers group Kerry Youdale said the statue had been moved to the corner to be seen by people who entered Cleveland from the north-east.

“I became aware that the statue was a back lane and thought it deserved a more prominent place to be on show,” she said.

Ms Youdale said David Singh from the nearby Jaipur Palace restaurant was a great support in having the statue moved to the corner.

Details would be added to the statue's plinth explaining about the importance of Ms Kyling to the Redlands and the work she did.

The statue was sculpted by Logan artist Mark Andrews and unveiled in 1982 by Florence Bjelke-Peterson at the opening of the Kyling Corner complex. 

It had been moved and repaired after being vandalised but had recently been donated to the community.

The Redlands Place Makers suggested that the statue on its raised platform may serve as centre-piece for a poet’s corner or soapbox arena.

Ms Kyling was a poet, writer, dress-maker, designer, historian and sculptress who did extensive work for charities.

One of her most notable philanthropic acts was to raising money to donate 22 acres of land in Thornlands in 1950 for the care of elderly residents.

She also campaigned for a hospital in the Redlands, donated the land on which the Country Women’s Association stands and wrote and produced a cookery book to raise money for community projects.

A permanent display at the Redland Museum, 60 South Street, Cleveland recognises Ms Kyling’s significance to the Redlands.

A two-volume publication The Remarkable Life of Leona Kyling by Mike Bright is available at the Redland City council library.