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.

Event date: April - May 2026

Sculptures by the Bush is a tourist trail of outdoor creative artworks that will dot the scenic landscapes around Blayney over the April School Holidays every year.

Creative local residents, schools, businesses and community groups create sculptures in one of three categories: Hay Bale Art, Farm Art and Scarecrows.

It is a great opportunity to enjoy the country landscape, visit some of the small villages and see some creative displays.

Locals are called upon to get creative and build sculptures. A digital map and list of entries will be available on the Blayney Shire Council Website and Sculptures by the Bush Facebook Page closer to the event.

The Cardwell Pioneer Tours are currently operating every Monday and Thursday morning from 10am at the Visitor Information and Heritage Centre located in Cardwell. The tour incorporates all the buildings in the historic precinct and takes visitors on a fascinating journey of the area’s colourful history as they move through each building. The tour begins at the old Bush Telegraph building which was the Telegraph and Post Office and explains how Cardwell was founded in 1864 as the first port in North Queensland. Over in the Courthouse visitors can gain an understanding of the old judicial system. Several interesting items are on display including the original straight-jackets used in Tully to restrain the more energetic offenders. The old lock-up building was still in use during the1980s at the Cardwell Police Station. The final building is the old Shire Hall which the community used for a multitude of purposes included balls and other formal social events. The tour concludes on the balcony of the Visitor Information Centre where visitors can enjoy a complementary Devonshire Tea while taking in one of the best views in North Queensland overlooking Hinchinbrook Island, Gould Island and the Family Islands