A Minute With The Mayor Ry Collins

At our monthly Ordinary Meeting in Bowen last week, Council made a significant decision to enhance arts and culture in the Whitsundays, officially approving a 10-year Peppercorn Lease for Creative Connections Whitsundays (CCW).

This decision paves the way for Creative Connections Whitsundays to transform the old Visitor Information Centre in Proserpine into a vibrant Community Art Gallery and cultural hub for the region.

I’m thrilled by the opportunity this project brings to Proserpine and the broader region. Establishing a cultural precinct near the Museum and Community Centre not only enriches our local identity but also strengthens our community ties.

I’ve personally witnessed the talent and dedication of CCW through their well-attended and expertly run exhibitions, and I have no doubt this hub will be a tremendous asset for our region.

My fellow Councillors share this enthusiasm, unanimously endorsing the vision to transform under-utilised council spaces into thriving hubs for arts, culture, and heritage. The 7-0 vote reflects our collective commitment to investing in the creative potential of our communities and fostering opportunities for both locals and visitors to engage with the arts.

This project represents so much more than a lease—it’s a step toward a brighter, more creative future for the Whitsundays. Congratulations to CCW on this incredible achievement, and we look forward to seeing this vision come to life.

Members of the Creative Connections Whitsundays group described the approval as a “major milestone,” but also acknowledged the hard work ahead.

They plan to breathe new life into the former Visitor Information Centre, turning it into a beautiful and welcoming venue where people can connect through art.

Together, we’re creating something truly special for Proserpine and our wider region.

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