The concept of building the Waltzing Matilda Centre was born in 1993 as Winton prepared for its celebrations commemorating the Centenary of the writing of Waltzing Matilda.  At the time Council was working closely with Queensland Deputy Premier, Tom Burns, whose advice to Mayor, Eric Lenton, was, "You want to make sure you get something permanent out of all this".

"All this" was the extensive planning and funding committed by both Council and the Queensland Government toward the Waltzing Matilda Centenary celebrations proposed for 6th April 1995.  Council took the decision to do just that and formed a committee with community representatives who set about raising money to fund the proposed permanent structure, even though the concept was still very much in the embryonic stage.

The Centenary Celebrations went ahead as planned with approximately 14,000 people visiting Winton over the ten day period.  Guests included the Premier of Queensland, Wayne Goss and the Prime Minister, Paul Keating as well as entertainers, Slim Dusty, and Jimmy Barnes. Many one off events were staged, including a Waltzing Matilda Centenary Ball , a Waltzing Matilda Centenary Race Meeting and others by community organisations throughout the year.

By 1995 planning for the Waltzing Matilda Centre was well advanced and fundraising underway.  The new complex was designed to incorporate a purpose-built Art Gallery as well as the existing Qantilda Pioneer Place Museum (which had been operated by the volunteer Winton District Historical Society since 1972).  Architect, Robin Retchford, planned the structure to resemble an old station homestead and Hutchinson Builders of Brisbane were awarded the construction contract.

By the time the Centre was opened on 11th April 1998 by the Queensland Premier, the Hon Rob Borbidge, the community had raised $266,000 towards the project, the Queensland government had contributed approximately $1m and Winton Shire Council another $2m.

Waltzing Matilda Centre Ltd, a company limited by guarantee, operates the Centre on behalf of Council.  It has tax deductible gift recipient status and aims to preserve the spirit of the Australian character as epitomised by our unofficial National Anthem, Waltzing Matilda.  The company is managed by a Board of Directors, all of whom donate their time for this purpose.

The inaugural Board of Directors was comprised of two Councillors, Mayor Bruce Collins and Cr Peter Evert BEM, OAM; two nominees of the Winton District Historical Society, Cr John East and Mrs Sheila Baillie; and three invited directors, Ms Sallyanne Atkinson AO, Mr Vince O'Rourke OAM, and Mr Warwick Tainton.