Creative Connections Whitsunday Takes First Step Toward Community Gallery

Creative Connections Whitsunday (CCW) is transforming the former Visitor Information Centre into a vibrant gallery, workshop space, and creative hub for the entire Whitsunday region. It will be a welcoming home for artists, makers, and the wider community.

On Tuesday 3 February the Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins officially handed over the keys of the building to CCW in a big step for the Whitsunday art community.

Located on Main Street, Proserpine, the Community Gallery will activate a prominent building, strengthen the town’s cultural identity, and create a compelling reason to stop, stay, and connect.

Following the completion of make-safe works by Council, the key handover grants CCW formal access to the former Visitor Information Centre. This is the next step in transforming the building into a vibrant gallery, workshop space, and creative hub for the region.

CCW Vice President and Gallery Coordinator, Linda Forrester, said the handover marks the transition from planning to action.

“Receiving the keys is an exciting and symbolic moment for Creative Connections Whitsunday,” Linda said.

“It means we can now move forward and begin the real work of shaping this space into a welcoming, high-quality gallery and creative hub for the Whitsundays. While there is still fit out and fundraising ahead, this is a critical step forward.”

While the gallery is not yet ready for public opening, CCW is calling for sponsorship, in-kind trade support, and community involvement to help complete renovations and fit-out works.

“We are creating the only dedicated community art gallery in the Whitsunday region — a cultural home that reflects the creativity and spirit of our community.” Ms Forrester said. 

“This is a chance for local businesses, trades, and supporters to be part of something lasting. We’re inviting the community to help create a cultural home that reflects the creativity and spirit of the Whitsundays.”

CCW are extremely grateful to the Whitsunday Regional Council for making the building available for a gallery, and for their consistent, continued support.

“We’re also very appreciative of the make-safe works that have already been completed — they’ve genuinely changed the feel of the space and made it look so much neater and more welcoming,” said Julia Evans Strategic Advisor to the CCW committee.

“Although the gallery is located here in Proserpine, it’s important to say clearly that this is a gallery for the entire Whitsundays region. It will be the only community gallery in the Proserpine and Airlie Beach area, making it a significant cultural home for our region.

“Having a permanent space like this means we can build on that work, offer creative activities all year round, and more consistently showcase local stories, culture, and talent through the arts.”

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The Whitsunday Regional Council officially handed over the keys to the old Visitor Information Centre in Proserpine to Creative Connections Whitsunday on Tuesday. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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