Arts, Culture and Heritage
Arts & Culture
The sustainability of our region is dependent upon the integration of a set of interconnected factors - cultural, environmental, social, and economic. This Arts and Cultural Plan recognises this fusion and acknowledges that investment in arts and cultural development is an important contribution to sustaining a resilient, liveable and prosperous community.
Research shows that engagement and participation in quality arts and culture programs can enrich the personal lives of residents, support the health, social and cultural wellbeing of the community and contribute to the region’s economic prosperity. Underpinned by the Arts & Cultural Development Policy 2017- 2022, this Plan is designed to encourage greater engagement and participation in locally determined, quality arts and culture experiences and provide the foundation for a cultural vitality that enhances the liveability of our community, our spirit and our way of life.
This Arts and Cultural Development Plan is the means by which we illuminate what matters to us and give significance to what’s important for the quality of life in our community. It is designed to link with and complement other Council planning instruments and the broad scope of Council’s operations. Most of all it is a community plan for which Council plays a key leadership role, in partnership with a community willing and able to share the leadership and responsibilities.
The preparation of this plan took place over many months and included wide-ranging primary and Secondary research and analysis. It respects the past, acknowledges the present and looks to the future. It takes a broad approach to the understanding of culture and recognises the important role of the arts as creative expression and community voice. It is a tribute to the many groups and individuals who have contributed and continue to contribute to the arts and cultural vitality of the community and presents opportunities for further growth.
Over many years Council and the Community have made a considerable investment in arts and cultural development. The public value of this investment is manifold. This Plan builds on this substantial platform and provides a framework for further investment around a shared vision. It outlines the direction for a vibrant, creative, welcoming community brimming with cultural vitality.
Relevant Documentation
Public Art
Based on the platform provided by The Flinders Shire Public Art Policy, the Public Art Development Plan(PDF, 8MB) provides a direction for the consolidation of existing public art and the further development of public art in the region.
The Public Art Development Plan addresses three main areas:
- New commissioned artworks:
- New works, which range from moderate scale works to major projects
- Current Collection Management:
- Regular maintenance of existing public art assets
- Public Programs:
- The involvement of the community in public art projects
The proposals in the Public Art Development Plan are consistent with the vision and policies outlined in the Flinders Shire Arts and Cultural Plan 2017 – 2021, and the Flinders Shire Council Public Art Policy 2017 - 2022.
Relevant Documentation
Arts Advisory Group
Love Arts and Culture? Want to have your say and champion arts and culture within the Flinders Shire region?
Become a member of the Arts Advisory Group here:
Historical Services
Historical Timeline Contribution
We invite you to play an essential role in preserving and showcasing the rich history of the Flinders Shire. As custodians of our community's collective memory, we believe every voice and contribution matters. We request your assistance in adding valuable information to the Flinders Shire Historical timeline; by sharing your knowledge, we can weave together a comprehensive narrative honouring our past and educating future generations. Your expertise and insights will ensure our historical timeline reflects our community's heritage.
Thank you for joining us in this vital endeavour to celebrate and preserve the Flinders Shire's remarkable history. Together, let us build a timeline that is a testament to our shared legacy.
Click here to view form.
Historic Information for the Flinders Shire
Flinders Shire Council Historical Photograph Collection Project
The Flinders Shire Council Historical Photograph Collection is a project sponsored by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) - a state and local government partnership that supports professional and emerging professional artists and arts practitioners living in regional Queensland.
The collection includes more than 1000 historical photographs and digital images (from settlement to the present) from Hughenden and the surrounding areas. Some of the photographs - both original and reproduced - have been donated by community members but the project was initially started in May 2011 with almost 900 photos signed over to Council by the Hughenden District Historical Society.
One of the oldest images, a reproduced wedding portrait, dates back to 1887. Facts about photos have been obtained or verified through personal accounts and Births, Death and Marriages.
The collection includes photographs from the following themes:
- Early settlement and development
- Railway
- People and families
- Military service
- Community events and groups
- Indigenous communities
- Agriculture and rural history
- Town planning and development, including streetscapes and buildings
- Local businesses and initiatives.
Digitisation of Hughenden Historical Association Project
The Historical Officer is currently in the process of digitising, cataloging and preserving the historical collection of the Hughenden Historical Association in a searchable database to enable the coordination of displays with historical significance for the community of the Flinders Shire.