Echoes Of The Gorge – A Free Community Art Event Celebrating Community, Creativity & Place

Echoes of the Gorge – A Free Community Art Event invites the community to come together and shape a Creative Sunday that reflects local identity, celebrates place and strengthens connections.

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Led by volunteers, local artists, residents and businesses, the community-driven initiative is part of the Mackay Festival of Arts and aims to grow participation, support local businesses and build a shared vision for future community-led creative events and a long-term regional arts trail.

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Organised by the Finch Hatton Progress Association (FHPA), the event transforms ‘The Old Finch Hatton Railway Station – Community and Creative Hub’ into a welcoming space for creativity, culture and connection. The day encourages locals and visitors to lead and participate in free workshops (all ages), art and artisan markets, stunning art exhibition and life music by talented local buskers that reflect the unique character of the Pioneer Valley.

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Taking place on Sunday, 9 August 2026, from 9am to 3pm, The Old Finch Hatton Railway Station will come alive with colour, sound and artistic expression. Free creative workshops throughout the day will offer hands-on experiences for all ages and abilities, while an art and artisan market will showcase handcrafted goods and unique treasures from local makers and creators.

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Workshops include: collaborative canvas painting with Lisa Roebig; raffia weaving with Nitari; boho-style watercolour art with Dani Em Art; children’s drumstick and stick fairy workshops with Anneka Meeder as well as palm sheath basket (not weaving); dry needle felting jewellery, music workshop, and crochet string bag making all lead by local artists.

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Local musician Lachie will lead a music workshop and busk throughout the day, with Sami from Imagination Music also busking. Local art stall holders will present creative demonstrations, and all workshop participants will create their own uniquely crafted art piece to take home. Parents are asked to supervise children during workshops.

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The Old Finch Hatton Railway Station will also exhibit the work of local artist Anneka Meeder, whose paintings explore mystical beings and the spirit of the trees.

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Beyond The Old Finch Hatton Railway Station, visitors are encouraged to explore nearby attractions, including the ‘Mad Hatter Tea Party’ hosted by One Hungry Mumma from 11am to 2pm, the Eungella Community Markets from 9am to 1pm, ‘Build Your Own Waffle Bar’ at The Gift Shed Cafe (9am to 3pm), Badilla Art Gallery in Pinnacle is open from 9am to 12pm and live music at The Criterion Hotel from 3pm onwards.

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The event is proudly supported by Premium Sponsor Robyn Agius – Area Specialist and funding from the Mackay Regional Council helping bring this regional cultural experience to life.

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Mark your calendars for Sunday, 9 August 2026 and experience a celebration where creativity, culture and community come alive in Finch Hatton, the heart of  the Pioneer Valley.

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For more information visit: finchhatton.org.au

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