RADF Committee Thanked as the Latest Stunning Mural is Delivered for Julatten

Mareeba Shire Council has thanked the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Advisory Committee for their contribution to the arts, culture and heritage sector over the last three years.

Committee members have volunteered their time to discuss and assess over thirty community grant applications and provided valuable insights, perspectives and expertise to the RADF program.

“RADF is about developing the arts sector from the ground up and having a committee made up of local residents and arts enthusiasts, is essential in delivering the Program successfully,” said Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin.

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) has an impressive track record of supporting local arts and cultural programs across Queensland communities.

“The Crisafulli Government’s multi-year RADF investment provides greater funding certainty for 59 regional councils, streamlined program management and red tape reduction, while boosting the state’s vibrant arts and cultural scene,” Minister Langbroek said.

The first RADF project delivered for 2025 was the stunning mural at Geraghty Park in Julatten, featuring ten vibrant birds native to the area by North Queensland artist Lavinia Letheby.

Julatten is famous amongst twitchers (bird watchers) and the mural features the lesser sooty owl, double eyed fig parrot, paradise kingfisher, metallic starling, Rufus fantail, southern cassowary, little kingfisher, emerald pigeon, olive backed sunbird and the blue face parrot finch.

The mural graces the front of the library and the breezeway between the craft room and library, and Lavinia carefully restored an existing mural that features local journalist Peter Justice, painted in 1999 by Diana Abiad.

“Restoring a mural is an intricate process, being sure to bring the original work back to life and to keep the artistic integrity of the original work. It’s always so exciting to watch an artwork come back to life,” said Lavinia.

Mareeba Shire Council is currently running an Arts and Culture Community survey to let residents have their say and help shape the direction of arts, cultural and heritage activities in the Shire.

The survey is available via Council’s website and from Council customer service centres and libraries. The survey closes 16 March 2025.

Expressions of interest for new RADF Committee members will be called in April.

RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.