Deputy Mayor Ros Heit, Wondai Regional Art Gallery co-ordinator Elaine Madill, Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek, member for Nanango and Attorney-General Deb Frecklington and South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff
September 11, 2025
The Wondai Regional Art Gallery’s new $100,000 extension was officially opened last Friday night in a small ceremony at the gallery.
The extension has created an undercover, open-air area at the end of The Studio space which can be used for workshops and community events.
Funding for the project was an election promise made by Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington ahead of last year’s State poll.
Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek travelled from Brisbane for the opening ceremony, which included a Welcome To Country by Cherbourg Deputy Mayor Gordon Wragge.
Minister Langbroek said the Wondai project was the first election promise in the Arts portfolio to be delivered since the election.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington also spoke, saying she was proud to have delivered this election commitment to her community.
Gallery co-ordinator Elaine Madill told the crowd that nearly 6000 people pass through the gallery every year.
There was also a note of sadness to the occasion as two former Wondai residents, Michelle and Gil Smith, were noticeably absent.
Michelle was treasurer at the gallery for more than 18 years, and Gil actually designed the extension.
Tragically, their son Robert died in a boating accident on August 27 and his funeral was held on the day of the opening.
Compere South Burnett Deputy Mayor Ros Heit asked everyone present to keep Robert’s family in their thoughts.
Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington officially open the extension as gallery co-ordinator Elaine Madill looks onSouth Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff; Scott Martin, from Arts Queensland; and Deputy Mayor Ros HeitMayor Kathy Duff, Cherbourg Council Deputy Mayor Gordon Wragge and Cherbourg Council CEO Chatur Zala and his wife BeenaWondai residents Glenys and Roy Radunz with Susan Mellersh-Lucas, also from WondaiPat and Alan Eagleson, from Mt McEuenKodi Sharp and Matt Walker, from KingaroyLeanne and Carl Dahms, from TingooraAshley Rewald, from Murgon, with Elaine MadillAndrew Hobbs, Andrew Dascombe and Gaye Hobbs, from Wondai and MurgonGallery patron – and South Burnett Deputy Mayor – Ros Heit compered the opening ceremonyMinister for the Arts and Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek spoke at the openingWondai Regional Art Gallery presented gifts to their guests … from left, Ros Heit, Elaine Madill, Kathy Duff, gallery volunteer Linda Staines, Deb Frecklington and John-Paul LangbroekJohn-Paul Langbroek, Ros Heit, Deb Frecklington and Elaine Madill with the new gallery extension areaThere were so many people at the opening that some stayed outside in the rain! From left, Penny Ruthenberg, from Goomeri, and Bev O’Shannessy, from WondaiFLASHBACK: Work began earlier this year on the $100,000 extension to the Wondai Regional Art Gallery (Photo: Ros Heit)
As well as the official opening of the extension, the night also featured the launch of the Wondai Regional Art Gallery’s September exhibitions.
Works by South Burnett artist Katrina O’Shannessy and Miles artist Chris Osborne fill the three galleries, alongside works from Murgon State School students in Kidz Korner.
The exhibitions will remain on show from 10:00am to 3:00pm daily until September 27.
Deb Frecklington and John-Paul Langbroek officially open the September exhibition with help from Mayor Kathy Duff and Diya and Kunz Zala; and Eboni, April and Gemma QuirkeMiles artist Chris Osborne with his work, “Bears of Ketchikan” … the main and back galleries feature 60 works based on Chris’s travels around the worldLocal artist Katrina O’Shannessy is featured in the front gallery … her work, “El-E-Funk” was selected as the People’s Choice winner on opening night
