Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Flinders Shire Council has announced a major funding boost for the 2026 Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies, with the event set to host a world-premiere performance under the Queensland Government’s Queensland Arts Project Fund (QAPF).
Council has secured $43,485 from Arts Queensland to support a landmark Festival Finale, featuring the Townsville Great Barrier Reef Orchestra performing alongside internationally renowned didgeridoo virtuoso and composer William Barton.
Barton was commissioned by the Orchestra to compose a new work, due for completion later this month. Thanks to the QAPF funding, the piece will be performed publicly for the first time in Hughenden, marking a significant cultural milestone for the region.
Mayor Kate Peddle said the funding represented an exciting new chapter for both the Festival and the community.
“This funding through the Queensland Arts Project Fund allows us to deliver something truly extraordinary for our region,” Mayor Peddle said.
“To have the Townsville Great Barrier Reef Orchestra perform alongside William Barton, and to host the world premiere of a newly commissioned work right here in Hughenden, is an incredible honour.
“It places our Festival firmly on the cultural map and gives our community access to a world-class classical music experience under the Outback skies.”
Mayor Peddle said the announcement also built on the Festival’s history, noting that a string quartet from the Orchestra performed at the inaugural event.
The Festival Finale will be staged as a signature event of the 1–3 May 2026 program, complementing the Festival’s broader celebration of arts, culture and community.
Council is encouraging visitors to plan ahead, with accommodation already in strong demand and further announcements to come in the lead-up to the Festival.
Composer, William Barton, will perform at the 2026 Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies. Photo supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Pty Ltd.
