Community & Business
26 July, 2025
Fresh priorities for local arts
SUPPORTING live venues, developing creative skills and building arts partnerships are among the top six priorities set by Mareeba’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Advisory Committee.
The committee, which has appointed six new community members, helps guide the direction of arts, culture, and heritage initiatives across the Mareeba Shire.
“After serving a successful three-year term, the previous committee has now handed the baton to a new group of dedicated arts advocates,” Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said.
“These members bring a diverse range of experience and passion for the arts, culture, and heritage.”
From a pool of 11 nominees, the following six individuals were selected: Bianca Velder, Brioni McGrath, Connie Rovina, Kylie Lambert, Melissa Waters and Theodore Tremblay.
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
The RADF Local Priorities for 2025–2028 were developed through community consultation involving over 230 responses from local residents and arts sector participants.
The six priority areas for arts development over the next three years are:
support for live events – particularly music and theatre which offers new opportunities for young people;
creative skills development – focusing on locally-delivered visual arts workshops;
increased use of facilities – for arts activities in existing venues and non-traditional spaces;
sustainable growth of arts activities – by expanding current offerings and building the capacity of local arts organisations and artists;
partnerships and collaboration – fostering connections within the arts and with sectors such as education, business and health; and
improved communication – helping artists and groups better promote their work across the shire.
“These priorities will guide future funding decisions and council-led initiatives, ensuring a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable arts scene in the region,” Mayor Toppin said.
The next RADF project in the pipeline is a mural planned for the toilet block at Centenary Park in Kuranda which will be delivered later this year.
