No other country in the world is more readily identified by a single song than is Australia by Waltzing Matilda. Recognised as the unofficial national anthem, the song celebrates the ‘battler’ in Australian pioneering history.
Winton Shire, in outback Queensland, where the song with its evocative tale of local history, was first penned by ‘Banjo’ Patterson, has given it and its influence on Australian character, official recognition. The $3.3 million Waltzing Matilda Centre has been built as a permanent ‘home’ for the song.
Mayor of Winton, Councillor Bruce Collins said that the Centre, designed for educational, cultural and tourist purposes, realises a dream for the small Winton community. Furthermore, it will enhance the town’s reputation as one of the best known outback tourist destinations.
“The community of Winton is enormously proud of its history and honoured to be the custodian of the Waltzing Matilda legend,” he said. “The Centre is both a tribute to one of Australia’s most enduring icons and a place for people to explore the unique elements of the Australian character, so well captured in the song’s words.”
The idea for the Centre arose from the success of the Waltzing Matilda Festival held in Winton in 1995 to celebrate the song’s centenary. It combines high tech innovation and heritage with audio visual exhibitions including an appearance by the swaggie’s ‘ghost’.
Other features include The Outback Regional Art Gallery and a vast collection of outback memorabilia. The Centre will add to other attractions in the region including the Stockman’s Hall of Fame at Longreach and the world’s only fossilised tracks of a dinosaur stampede at Lark Quarry.
In both its design and construction, the Centre incorporates Australian made products and expertise. Its patrons include many prominent Australians, including Ted Egan, Slim Dusty, Kieren Perkins and Greg Chappell.
For further information contact Kerry Reeves, telephone (07) 4657 1466.
