Woorabinda Arts + Cultural Centre launched at Duaringa!
Posted on March 4th, 2021
In this Year of Indigenous Tourism, it was an absolute pleasure to attend the official opening yesterday of ‘stage one’ of the Woorabinda Arts + Cultural Centre in Duaringa, halfway between Rockhampton and Emerald.
This incredible project is thanks to a partnership between BMA and Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council and has been supported by the Central Queensland Regional Arts Services Network and CQUniversity.
For the last six months the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council Works Manager has been liaising with local contractors to complete ‘stage one’ of the WACC building refurbishments which has transformed the old Duaringa CWA Hall to its new exciting life!
Guests came from as far as Sydney and Brisbane, with local government representatives from Woorabinda, Central Highlands and Livingstone Shire Councils, Rockhampton and Yeppoon Art Galleries, Community Groups and interested parties attended.
After a very educational ‘Welcome to Country’, speakers included the Mayor of Woorabinda Josh Weazel and Tracy Hennig, Manager Production BMA Blackwater Mine and Nickeema Williams, Gallery Project Manager.
Nickeema is a Kuku Yalanji/Koa and Miriam artist and community arts practitioner based in Woorabinda, Her background is in youth and community services and she is committed to empowering community through arts and community development.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said “Nickeema’s speech was heartfelt, passionate and truly inspiring! The authentic art on display is nothing short of stunning, with the work of 17 local indigenous artists on display.”
“It is so very exciting to welcome this new indigenous arts product to our regional tourism portfolio, particularly in this official Year of Indigenous Tourism.”
Pictures below are of Artists Nickeema Williams and Roxanne Oakley with Woorabinda Shire Council Mayor Josh Weazel and Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll.
Future stages of the Woorabinda Arts & Cultural Centre will include a café onsite and Gallery Shop.
CQUniversity news story – Woorabinda Artists explore new horizons with launch of arts and cultural centre
