Get to Know the Walter Reid Cultural Centre

Published on 07 March 2025

PHOTO CAPTION:
Cr Drew Wickerson, Cr Marika Taylor, Christine Dobele (Patch Happy Circle), Anna-Maree Perfect (Royal Queensland Art Society), Cr Elliot Hilse.

If you have ever wondered what the imposing old warehouse building on the corner of East and Derby streets in Rockhampton is all about, this is your chance.

The building is the Walter Reid Cultural Centre, former office and warehouse of Walter Reid and Company Ltd, a merchant company which was part of Rockhampton’s history for more 100 years.

Since 1977 it has been home to more than a dozen local arts groups, and they are inviting the public to Get to Know Walter Reid’s on Saturday 15 March.

Members of the groups will be in attendance on the day to demonstrate their passion for their artforms, and answer questions from the public.

Arts groups housed in the Centre include: Patch Happy Circle, Royal Queensland Art Society, Embroiderers Guild, Rail modellers, Fibre Arts Inc, Rockhampton Lapidary Club, Rockhampton Youth Orchestra, Capricornia Potters Group, Rockhampton Little Theatre, Rockhampton Photography Club, Capricornia Printmakers and CQ Contemporary Artists.

Ros McKendry from the WRCC Tenants Committee said:

“The Walter Reid Cultural Centre is well-known and much loved in the local arts community, but members of the arts groups in the building would really like to share our passions more widely, so we are inviting people to get to know Walter Reid’s.

“On Saturday 15 March from 10am to 4pm, groups in the building will hold an open day with a variety of demonstrations and activities.

“So come down and have a look around, speak to group members and, who knows you might find you have an interest or skill in a particular artform. There is no obligation to join and entry is on the day is free.

“You don’t need to be a highly skilled artist to join any of these groups. We were all beginners once and every group here welcomes members of all levels of experience.

Rockhampton Regional Council Communities, Culture and Heritage spokesperson C Drew Wickerson said that Council is very proud to provide this facility for the people of the region.

“When the Walter Reid Cultural Centre was opened in August 1977, Mayor Rex Pilbeam said that the aim was to provide opportunities for locals, particularly young people, to develop and enhance artistic skills.

“Today that vision continues with more than a dozen groups housed in the building. Each of the groups, in their own way, provides opportunities for locals to enhance and develop their members’ artistic skills through such things as exhibitions, seminars workshops and collaborations.

“It is also an important social space for people with a shared interest, to get together, making new friends along the way.

“I am very pleased the arts groups have arranged this open day. I encourage the public to come on down and get to know Walter Reid’s on Saturday 15 March,” he said.

Get to Know Walter Reid’s will be held at the Walter Reid Cultural Centre, corner East and Derby Street, Rockhampton, on Saturday 15 March from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.

Walter Reid Cultural Centre is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council.