RV Friendlies & Events

Event date: 8 May - 26 July 2026

Saltbush Country provides a rare opportunity for audiences across regional South Australia to experience the works and worldviews of Aboriginal women artists practising independently in the state. In this statewide touring exhibition, seven regional artists tell stories of their culture, community and connection to Country. Often personal and occasionally raw, their work reflects the world as seen through their eyes – a contemporary articulation of Aboriginal life in regional South Australia.

Saltbush Country, curated by Tarnanthi Regional Curator Marika Davies, was one of the highlight exhibitions of Tarnanthi 2023 when it was presented at Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery and in Adelaide at the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery at the Hawke Centre, UniSA City West campus.

Artists: Josephine Lennon, Marli Macumba, Juanella McKenzie, Deanna Newchurch, Lynette Newchurch, Sandra Saunders, Heather Shearer

The artists’ works are the result of a series of community workshops, mentoring and professional development opportunities catering for prominent regional artists and supported by Country Arts SA and Tarnanthi.

The Woodford Folk Festival is held annually over six days and six nights, from Dec 27th through to January 1st. More than 2,000 local, national and international, artists, musicians and presenters put on over 438 acts to an audience of an estimated 132,000 people. The festival begins each year with the iconic Opening Ceremony and closes with the spectacular showcase, the Fire Event on New Year’s Day. This year will be the 35th Woodford Folk Festival and the 28th held at Woodfordia. It is the largest gathering of artists and musicians in Australia.

The Woodford festival experience is deep, rich and colourful. It is based on a vision of inclusive and creative community, culture and tradition passed through generations, expressed through story and ceremony. The site, a former barren dairy farm, has been lovingly regenerated with over 120,000 subtropical rain forest trees, orchids, ferns and sedges, planted to create a habitat for butterflies and wildlife.

Woodfordia is transformed into a village that hosts over 25,000 daily patrons, performers, stallholders, volunteers and organisers. As many as 2,680 volunteers across 162 departments are at the heart of the organisation and contribute to the setup and day-to-day running of the festival. During the event, the festival is actually the 67th largest town in Australia.

Each year construction begins in early December and continues up until Christmas Day. Over 450 contractors and volunteers build the village. Many come from around the world to be part of the festival build and then stay for a week after to pull the event down.

WE HAVE BEEN LONGING TO ANNOUNCE THIS NEWS SINCE WHAT SEEMS LIKE FOREVER – WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL IS BACK!

Change has been more of a constant these past couple of years and that will continue into the future. The return of the festival this year will see some venues retired, some taking a year off, others returning in full glory along with some new kids on the block.

The programme will continue to have the diversity, excellence and depth that Woodford patrons have revelled in over the years.

Tickets will be capped this year to make sure we get the comfort level just right.

We will be launching tickets in June – make sure you are signed up to our mailing list stay up to date.

Dates: 16/06/2026 - 18/06/2026

Times: 9am-4pm

Get ready for three big days of fun, food and festivity at the Mackay Show! Held at the iconic Mackay Showgrounds, this beloved regional event brings together exciting rides, delicious local food, lively entertainment, fireworks, and unforgettable agricultural and animal displays. Whether you’re exploring livestock competitions, cheering on woodchoppers, or grabbing a showbag in Sideshow Alley, there’s something for everyone. Bring the whole family and celebrate community spirit in the heart of Mackay!