July 14, 2026
A long-discussed dream to create a permanent stage in Kingaroy’s Memorial Park is one step closer following the awarding of $455,923 State Government grant.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington announced the funding, from the Multicultural Connect Grants program, on Monday.
The funding will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the South Burnett Regional Council.
Councillors and Council staff have already held preliminary discussions with representatives from local not-for-profit associations as well as professional entertainers about the best location for the stage to be constructed.
One recommended spot, near the the north-west corner, would require electricity to be routed to that location.
Ideally, a second toilet block could also be constructed at the western end of the park at a future time, depending on available funding.
In January, South Burnett councillors voted 6-1 to submit the funding application.
The meeting was told Council’s contribution would be allocated from reserves for the Kingaroy Memorial Swimming Pool Precinct.
Mrs Frecklington said the grant demonstrated the positive outcomes that can be achieved when local and State governments work together.
“When Council and the State Government work together, our communities benefit,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“This funding will help provide a community space that can be utilised by everyone, creating opportunities for people to come together and connect.”
[Disclosure: Anne Miller is secretary of South Burnett Arts Inc and a former member of South Burnett Events Inc, two groups which have been advocating for the construction of a permanent stage in Memorial Park. Anne has also taken part in recent discussions about its possible location. South Burnett Online founder, the late Dafyd Martindale, lobbied for the construction of a Memorial Park stage for many years and was referenced during the original Council debate over the grant application.]
