Mill Gallery refurbishment works provide greater support for local artists
The first stage of extension works for the Fig Tree Galleries (formerly the Mill Gallery) in Yeppoon is almost complete, creating vibrant new spaces for artists and visitors to enjoy.
The refurbishment of the Old Post Office building has created new workshop and retail spaces, with the next stage creating a captivating new gallery building. Construction is due to commence on the new gallery in the next couple of months.
The Paint Pot Gallery is in the process of moving back to the location with plans to reopen soon.
The expansion and upgrades were made possible after Livingstone Shire Council received $250,000 in funding through Round 4 of the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions (BoR) program
The project is also supported by $850,000 from Livingstone Shire Council, bringing total funding to $1.1 million.
Mayor Andy Ireland said Council is thrilled to be overseeing this project that will provide ongoing cultural, tourism and economic benefits for the region now and into the future.
“We anticipate the new space will boost the local economy by providing greater support for local artists and increased visitor numbers,” Cr Ireland said.
“The Mill Gallery has long been a hub for the region’s arts community, nurturing the creativity of countless talented individuals while inspiring future generations of artists through their inclusive workshops and exhibitions.
“Council would like to sincerely thank Member for Keppel, Brittany Lauga, and the Queensland Government for its valued funding support towards this important community project.”
Portfolio holder of Vibrant Community (Tourism, Events and Culture), Councillor Tanya Lynch, said the expansion will enhance the visibility and viability of the local arts community and optimistically attract new artists to our community.
“Additionally, the project will increase community capacity to host local and touring art exhibitions and provide a fresh, contemporary and higher profile arts presence to the community and visitors,” Cr Lynch said.
“The gallery is expected to support up to 50 local artists by providing a contemporary display space for exhibitions and the opportunity to commercialise their work.”
Assistant Education Minister and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the government was proud to be partnering with Councils like the Livingstone Shire Council, and the private sector to deliver projects that will create jobs.
“We know that to fast-track Queensland’s economic recovery, we need to invest in job-creating projects in regional Queensland such as this,” she said.
“This program will not only create hundreds of construction jobs across the regions, it will create more employment opportunities for locals, helping small businesses in these communities and boosting industry supply chains.”