May 17, 2018
A project to decorate the Murgon Visitor Information Centre’s walls with six murals was officially opened last Thursday by South Burnett Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff.
The Centre, in Lamb Street, now hosts the colourful murals which represent aspects of Murgon’s tourist attractions and rural communities.
Project organisers hope the artworks will encourage more tourists to stop and visit the Centre and the surrounding area.
The project was jointly sponsored by the South Burnett Regional Council and Arts Queensland, with local artists Lee Porter and Carolyn Summers taking a little under a week to complete the work.
Lee said the project ran slightly over schedule because of the large number of people who stopped to admire it.
The two artists said the positive comments they’d received from the community had been overwhelming, but they enjoyed the experience.
Cr Kathy Duff thanked the Murgon community for suggesting topics for the murals, and praised the artists.
“These murals signify that tourism is alive and well in our region, and it provides Murgon with a ‘point of difference’ from the other centres in the South Burnett.”
SBRC Senior Economic Development Officer Craig Tunley reported that between January and March this year – which is traditionally tourism’s “off season” – the Murgon Visitor Information Centre received 1154 visitors and generated $747 in sales, with volunteers donating 596 hours to keep the doors open.
A survey completed during the same period to determine why people visited the centre disclosed that 21 per cent were seeking local information, while a further 15 per cent dropped in to pick up or return keys for Murgon’s free camping area.
A further 26 per cent wanted brochures on local attractions or information about events, accommodation or the rail trail, or needed maps or directions.
Footnote: Cr Kathy Duff has told southburnett.com.au a blank area has been left on the Murgon VIC walls to allow Aboriginal artwork to be added during a future project.
Related articles:
