September 9, 2026
The official opening of the September exhibition at the Wondai Regional Art Gallery last Friday night included a special honour for recently retired gallery president Elaine Madill.
Elaine handed over the reins to Maureen Irving in April this year after about 18 years in the role.
A decision was made by the gallery committee that Elaine’s service be celebrated with the dedication of “The Deck” in her honour.
The $100,000 extension to “The Studio” was Elaine’s special project and her perseverance in seeking funding for the project ensured it happened.
The open air space has added to the versatility of the gallery, especially during market days or other festivities in Coronation Park.
The decision to honour Elaine with her own space at the gallery follows the decision in 2012 to name the main gallery the “Alison Iszlaub Gallery” after the founder and first gallery president.
After The Deck ceremony, guests moved back inside for the official exhibition opening by South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff and a performance of the National Anthem by children from the Wondai State School choir.
In the main gallery this month are works by members of the Newman family … spectacular bird photography by Paul and his son Matthew and pottery by his wife Jean.
The bird photographs have been captured in remote locations right across Australia.
Paul said there were about 700 species of land birds in Australia and the pair have managed to capture “in the middle 600s”; about 60 species are featured in the Wondai exhibition.
This is the first time the photos have been shown in public.
In the back gallery, well-known local photographer Richard Henderson, who usually shoots in black and white, has been exploring colour.
This is the second time that Richard has exhibited at Wondai, but he has an upcoming portrait exhibition in Osaka, Japan.
The big mystery ahead of opening night was the front gallery; the exhibition was promoted as by the “Secret Talent Of Wondai”.
At the opening, it was revealed the works were by various Wondai Art Gallery volunteers, including Dianne “Sparkles” Moore; Linda “Woody” Staines; Pam “Snooks” McAllister, Joy “Matty” Thomson and Maureen “Little Mo” Irving.
After opening night, the Wondai exhibitions will remain on show from 10:00am to 3:00pm daily until September 26. Entry to the gallery is free.
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