The Outback Regional Gallery was officially opened on 11 April 1998, by the Queensland Premier, the Hon. Rob Borbidge, during the Easter In The Outback celebrations held to mark the opening of the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton.
This event brought to fruition many years of effort and financial commitment by the Winton Shire Council and the people of Winton, to realise their dream of creating the Centre as a lasting memorial to our national song, while preserving our pioneer heritage in the Qantilda Museum. The Outback Regional Gallery, an integral part of the Centre, aims to enrich the cultural life of our community by presenting quality exhibitions from diverse sources, while promoting exhibiting opportunities for local and regional artists.
The presentation and management of exhibitions is carried out by members of the Gallery Volunteers Group, drawn from the local community. All members have undertaken training in recognised gallery procedures for exhibition installation and collection management. The Group oversees an innovative and constantly changing exhibition program, which includes works from the Winton Shire Collection.
The Gallery has Art Museum standard lighting, 24-hour environmental and security systems, a storage and workroom with the same controls, and a specially constructed loading dock with truck tray level access. These facilities enable the Gallery to host national touring exhibitions, which would otherwise not be accessible to the residents of the region. There is wheelchair access, with a cafe and gift shop in the Centre complex. The Gallery is financially supported by the Winton Shire Council.
