Fran Van Vegchel, from Booie, was selling hand-made jewellery items
‘The Soap Witch’, ie Diana Wain from Kingaroy, had home-made goat’s milk soap

November 28, 2012

Christmas shoppers had the opportunity of purchasing some unique local gifts at the Kingaroy Information, Art and Heritage Precinct markets this evening.

There were stalls selling jewellery, knitting, woodwork and pottery … as well as paintings, carvings and hampers.

These first “night markets” to be held at the centre were designed to highlight local skills and craftspeople.

Visitors also enjoyed a sausage sizzle and a performance by the South Burnett Youth Choir.

The markets were held in the display area at the rear of the Visitor Information Centre and along the verandah of the 1913 Council Chambers.

The adjoining museum and visitor centre remained open for the evening although access from the front of the building was restricted slightly by roadworks in Haly Street.

Visitors also had the opportunity to view artworks from the South Burnett Regional Council’s collection on display in the art gallery.

Prior to council amalgamation in 2008, each South Burnett council had its own collection of paintings and sculptures. This exhibition, which will  be on show for another week, is the first time these pieces have been brought together in one display.

The night markets also hosted the local launch of the Handmade In Country website

Handmade In Country is a project of Southern Queensland Country Tourism and is supported by the South Burnett Regional Council.

The aim is to create – and support – a network of artisans in the South Burnett, Toowoomba and Southern Downs / Granite Belt regions and to help them build their skills and businesses, enhancing the visitor experience for tourists.

Art gallery volunteer Janet Schleger with some of the pieces in the Council collection

A couple of well-known local artists: Carmel Nott (lino prints) and Fay Stumm (ceramics)

Des Maclaren, Kingaroy, from the South Burnett Woodworkers group

Museum volunteer Wilf Young with his father Harry’s 1928 peanut thresher

Cherry Coultis, from Yarraman, was demonstrating her mini-loom 
Julie McMurtrie, from the Hand Made In Country project, officially launched the group’s new website