Arts and Culture

The Maranoa is a creative region and Council fosters arts and culture within our communities through a range of events, projects and programs is hosts or supports across the region. We also support the management and use of arts and cultural facilities within the region.

Our venues

The Maranoa region hosts five community art galleries and four community museums to celebrate the creativity of local artists while also hosting state and national touring exhibitions.

These galleries provide the community with access to a wide array of artistic expressions, fostering cultural engagement and enhancing the region's attractiveness as a tourism destination.

The community museums play a vital role in preserving the rich history and heritage of the Maranoa area. They showcase a diverse range of exhibits that reflect the local culture, including displays on the region's pioneering days, agricultural practices, and local heritage. Through artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, these museums offer visitors an opportunity to delve into the past and understand the stories that have shaped the Maranoa community.

Together, the art galleries and museums create a vibrant cultural landscape that not only highlights the talents of local artists but also honours the historical significance of the region. This fusion of art and history enhances the overall visitor experience, making the Maranoa region an appealing destination for both tourists and locals alike.
 

  • The Roma on Bungil Gallery, established in June 2008, represents the vision and hard work of Maranoa’s local artists.

    Located within the Roma Community Arts Centre, this gallery was made possible by the former Roma Town Council, with government funding and significant support from the former Bungil Shire Council. In addition to the gallery, the Arts Centre - conveniently situated near Roma's CBD - hosts the Roma Town Library and provides studio spaces for community groups.

    Location: Roma Community Arts Centre, 38-44 Hawthorne Street, Roma

    Contact: 1300 007 662

    Email: secretary@romaonbungil.com.au

    Website: Roma on Bungil 

    Facebook: Roma on Bungil

    Opening Hours:

    • Monday to Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    • Saturday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    • Closed: Sunday and Public Holidays

  • The Walk of Art gallery provides a dedicated space for local artists and community groups in Roma to showcase their talents. It hosts a variety of exhibitions, including historical displays, school art projects, community group initiatives, fundraising art shows, and first exhibitions for emerging artists.

    Location: Roma Community Arts Centre, 38-44 Hawthorne Street, Roma

    Contact: Regional Arts and Culture Officer via email: arts@maranoa.qld.gov.au

    Phone: 1300 007 662

    Opening Hours:

    • Monday to Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    • Saturday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    • Closed: Sunday and Public Holidays

  • The Mitchell on Maranoa Gallery, located within the historic former Mitchell Picture Theatre, is a community-managed space that showcases a wide range of touring exhibitions and occasional workshops, including painting, sculpture, craft, and glass art.

    The gallery promotes diverse artistic expression and aims to raise artistic awareness, engage the community, and enhance the cultural life of the Maranoa Region.

    The building itself has a rich history. It was originally a silent movie theatre built in 1929, it was destroyed by fire in 1941 and rebuilt in 1942. It operated as a theatre until 1985, and in 2000, after renovations supported by the Booringa Shire Council, it reopened as the Mitchell Art Gallery.

    Location: Mitchell Library Gallery Building, Cambridge Street, Mitchell

    Contact: 1300 007 662

    Email: mitchellgalleryfriends@gmail.com

    Facebook: Mitchell on Maranoa Gallery

    Opening Hours:

    • Monday to Friday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    • Saturday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    • Closed: Sunday and Public Holidays

  • The Surat on Balonne Gallery, originally named the Balonne River Gallery, opened in 1997 and celebrated its 25th anniversary in August 2022.

    With over 250 exhibitions in its history, the gallery continues to showcase a wide variety of artistic styles and techniques, attracting around 15,000 visitors annually.

    Located within the Cobb & Co Changing Station complex, Surat's primary tourist attraction, the gallery shares space with a 25,000-litre freshwater fish aquarium, a social history museum featuring a working Cobb & Co coach, the public library, and government service agencies.

    Location: Cobb & Co Changing Station, 62 Burrowes Street, Surat

    Contact: 1300 007 662

    Email: surat.library@maranoa.qld.gov.au

    Facebook: Surat on Balonne Gallery

    Opening Hours:

    • Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 4:30pm
    • Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (subject to volunteer availability)
    • Closed: Christmas Day

  • The Injune Creek Gallery was officially opened on October 30, 2015, by Cr Robert Loughnan, then Mayor of Maranoa Regional Council. The gallery, located within the Injune Multipurpose Complex, was established in response to community input expressing a need for a dedicated gallery space.

    Funding for the complex and gallery came from a partnership between Santos GLNG, Arts Queensland, and Maranoa Regional Council.

    Location: Injune Multipurpose Complex, Second Avenue, Injune

    Contact: 1300 007 662

    Email: injune.library@maranoa.qld.gov.au

    Facebook: Injune Creek Gallery

    Opening Hours:

    • Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
    • Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    • Closed: Christmas Day

  • The Roma Butter Factory Museum offers a fascinating journey into the past, where you can experience the history of Roma’s thriving dairy industry.

    Established in 1910, this iconic heritage building once stood at the heart of the community, producing fresh butter and dairy products that supported both local families and broader markets. For over fifty years, the factory buzzed with life, its machinery turning milk and cream into essential provisions.

    The factory finally closed its doors in 1960-61, following a shortage of milk and cream supplies, but its legacy endures. Today, the museum preserves and showcases this vital piece of Roma’s industrial and agricultural history.

    Wander through the historic rooms, explore original equipment, and imagine the sounds and rhythms of an industry that was once essential to everyday life in Queensland's outback.

    Location: 18 Station Street, Roma QLD 4455

    Contact: 0429 649 150

    Email: info@rhpi.net.au

    Facebook: Roma Historical Precincts Inc.

    Opening Hours:

    The museum is open every Wednesday from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, or by appointment. This unique space is also available for community events, workshops, and private functions.

  • The Injune Museum is a promising new complex that, once fully established, will serve as a vital repository for the rich history of the timber industry in Injune, as well as other significant aspects of local history.

    This museum aims to educate visitors about the pivotal role that timber production played in shaping the community, showcasing the tools, techniques, and stories of the early timber workers who contributed to the region's development.

    Currently, the Injune Museum features a temporary display of vintage cars, providing a glimpse into the automotive history that has intertwined with the local culture. Visitors can admire these classic cars, which not only represent a bygone era but also serve as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of their makers.

    As the Injune Museum continues to grow and evolve, it will integrate more permanent exhibits that reflect the diverse history of the region. Plans for the future include interactive displays, educational programs, and community events that will engage visitors of all ages, ensuring that the stories of Injune’s past are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

    Location: 31-33 Ronald Street

    Email: chips.injune@gmail.com

    Facebook: CHIPS (Cultural Heritage Injune Preservation Society)

    Opening Hours:

    The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Monday through Saturday, inviting visitors to discover its fascinating exhibits and learn about the area's heritage.

  • The Surat Cobb & Co. Changing Station Museum is a captivating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and vibrant culture of the region.

    One of its standout features is an impressive 25,000-litre freshwater aquarium, home to a variety of native fish species, providing an immersive experience for all ages. The museum also boasts a meticulously crafted replica of a Cobb and Co. coach, allowing guests to step back in time and envision the pioneering spirit of the early Australian settlers who relied on these iconic coaches for transport across the rugged outback.

    In addition to its historical exhibits, the museum serves as a social history hub, showcasing the stories and experiences of the local community through a diverse range of artifacts and displays. The regional art gallery features work from local artists, highlighting the unique creative expressions that emerge from this picturesque area.

    As a Visitor Information Centre, the Surat Cobb & Co. Changing Station Museum is your gateway to exploring the surrounding region, offering helpful advice and resources for planning your visit.

    Opening Hours:

    • Monday to Friday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
    • Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

    Contact Information:

    • Phone: 07 4626 5136
    • Address: Cobb & Co Changing Station, 62 Burrowes Street, Surat, Queensland
    • Email: tourism@maranoa.qld.gov.au

    Come and explore the fascinating history and culture that make Surat a remarkable destination!

  • The Booringa Heritage Museum officially opened its doors on June 6, 2009, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of local history. Since that inaugural day, the museum has continuously expanded and enhanced its displays, creating a space that the entire community can take pride in.

    Over the years, the museum has evolved into a vibrant showcase of the rich heritage of the Booringa region. Its diverse collection features artifacts, photographs, and narratives that highlight the area’s unique history, from early settlement days to contemporary life.

    Visitors can explore exhibitions that delve into various aspects of local culture, agriculture, and industry, all contributing to the fabric of the community.

    The museum is committed to providing an engaging experience for all ages. As it looks to the future, the Booringa Heritage Museum continues to evolve, ensuring it remains a cherished resource for both locals and visitors alike, celebrating the stories that define the community.

    Location: 4 Elizabeth Street, Mitchell, QLD, Australia, Queensland

    Contact:

    Opening Hours:

    The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, seven days a week during the tourism season, welcoming visitors to explore its rich collection and learn about the heritage of the region.

For more information regarding our art galleries, you can visit our Roma Revealed page or call 1300 007 662.​

My Community