Matthew Flinders Bicententary Gallery

In 1981 a public meeting was held by the Bribie Island Chamber of Commerce to decide on a suitable project to commemorate the Bicentenary of Australia. The well-attended meeting brought forward many ideas, and it was finally agreed that the project should be a Community Arts Centre, set in an area of natural bush land to service the needs of the whole Shire.

This vision became a reality and in an area set aside for Botanic purposes on Bribie Island, a portion was excised for Cultural use. Part of the motivation for the Centre was that it should become a hub of community activity, an alternative for those who do not or cannot play sport and other outdoor activities.

Since the formation of the Bribie Island Community Arts Society Inc. in 1986, the site now boasts one of the best community arts centres to be found in Australia, staffed entirely by volunteers. It was designed by a leading gallery architect Mr. Paul Wallace, and opened by the Governor of Queensland Sir Walter Campbell on 11th December 1988.

The staged building development programme has resulted in an excellent facility with space for display of members’ work, meeting and administration areas, painting and craft workshops and studios, all set in a delightful bush land setting creating a serene and inspirational background for those who work there. It has also become a major tourist attraction for the Island.

Twelve Creative Hobby Sales Days are held in the grounds each year attracting large numbers of visitors to the “village” atmosphere on the fourth Sunday of the month. Ten “working together” groups share their skills and ideas on a regular basis and weekly tuition is also offered for those wishing to begin an involvement in some form of art or craft.