Keys in Hand – and the Journey Begins
- Pink Tank Studio
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
This morning was one of those pinch-me moments.
At 10.30am today, Creative Connections Whitsunday officially received the keys to our future Community Gallery and Creative Hub at 192 Main Street, Proserpine — and what a joyful, affirming moment it was.
After months (and months!) of planning, discussions, paperwork, dreaming, problem-solving, and patience, we finally stood together on the front steps of the former Visitor Information Centre with the keys in hand. A simple act, yes — but a deeply symbolic one.
This moment marks the shift from planning to doing.
The building, owned by Council and recently made safe by Council contractors, will be transformed into a vibrant gallery, workshop space, and creative hub for artists and makers of the wider Whitsunday community. It will be a welcoming place to gather, create, exhibit, learn, and connect — and importantly, the only dedicated community art gallery in the Whitsunday area.
A Room Full of Support
What made the morning especially meaningful was the number of people who came along to celebrate with us.
We were honoured to be joined by Mayor Ry Collins, and Whitsunday Regional Council Councillors Jan Clifford, John Finlay and Clay Bauman and Amanda Camm MP
We also want to sincerely thank Council staff Alicia Fletcher, Blake Shaw, and Bayden Edwards, whose work behind the scenes helped make the lease arrangements and make-safe works possible. These projects don’t happen without good people doing careful, often unseen work — and we are very grateful.
It was wonderful to see so many CCW members, artists, supporters, and members of the public there as well. The smiles, hugs, photos, and sense of shared excitement said it all — this gallery already belongs to the community.
From Vision to Action
We now have access to the space, and that means the real work begins: fit-out, fundraising, sponsorship, planning exhibitions, and shaping the gallery into a space that truly reflects the creativity and spirit of the Whitsundays.
The gallery isn’t open just yet, but momentum is building.
We’re thrilled to already have early support from Green Energy Technologies, who have come onboard to complete an in-kind audit of the building’s existing solar panel system in February. This generous contribution supports our commitment to sustainability and responsible operation.
How You Can Be Part of It
This project is a community effort, and there are many ways to be involved — through sponsorship, in-kind trade support, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.
We’re building something that we believe will leave a lasting cultural legacy for the region: a creative home where stories are told, ideas are shared, and artists are supported.
If you’d like to learn more, explore sponsorship opportunities, or discover how to become a Lifetime Member, you can visit:
Today was a milestone worth celebrating. Thank you to everyone who stood with us — this is only the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what grows from here.
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