History, Arts and Culture

The McKinlay Shire has a strong Arts and Historical network. Council ensures this network is supported through various avenues of financial and in-kind support as per the Corporate Plan and Cultural Policy.

Many organisations run workshops and activities throughout the year. Please contact the relevant art group for further information.

Opera House

Open Monday-Friday in Julia Street, Julia Creek. Current Exhibition – Centenary Photos

Julia Creek Historical Society

An active society ensuring the integrity and recording of historical information in the Shire. The Society has released many short books and played a large part in the Julia Creek Centenary Book production.

For further information please contract Mrs Shirley Eckford (President) on 07 47467233

McKinlay Shire Cultural Association

An association that encourages participation in cultural activities within McKinlay Shire.  
Members of the Cultural Association are:

  • Shirley Eckford (President) 
  • Heather Tracey (Vice President)
  • Silvia Crawford
  • Helen Dart
  • Jean Haynes
  • Gina Harrington
  • Mary Scholes
  • Elizabeth Yeo
  • Pauline Fegan
  • Debbie Godier
  • Aileen Gabbert
  • Judy Anderson
  • Margaret Hughes

Regional Arts Development Fund Committee

The RADF Committee consists of the following members

Linda Malone, Chris Rae, Beryl Murphy, Katrina Harling, Sharon Sutton, Fiona McConachy and Sharon Fayers.

The 2009/10 RADF grants are now open. Successful applications will be announced in the coming weeks.

Crafty Old School House

The Crafty Old School House group meet at the old McKinlay School House on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Activities include tennis, health information and UFO afternoons (Un Finished Objects). This is a day for social gathering and to finish off/get help with any craft items that you may be working on. Crafts include patchworking, horn and silver smithing, scrapbooking and card making. The group organises a craft workshop weekend once a year. The group is always looking for new craft ideas to try!

There are currently 21 family members of this group. If you would like to join the group or have any new craft ideas, please contact the President, Carol Campbell on 07 4746 8695.

Julia Creek Potters

Mrs Shirley Eckford has been an inspirational and committed potter for the last and runs regular pottery classes at the Combined Cultural Workshop in Julia Creek.

Pottery classes operate from April – December on Friday morning from 10.00am – 1.00pm and on Thursday night by appointment from 7.00pm – 10.00pm

Julia Creek Quilters

A band of local women sharing the joy of quilting. As part of the Centenary Celebrations the Julia Creek Quilters have embarked on a project to complete a Centenary Quilt. The quilt will be placed on display once completed for viewing …watch this space.

For further information contact Aileen Gabbert on 07 4746 7228

Julia Creek Scrapbookers

Local informal group that meet regularly for scrap booking. If your interested in learning or would like to come along and be a part of these mornings, please contact Aileen Gabbert on 07 4746 7228

Local Weather

Dirt n Dust Festival