The Waltzing Matilda Centre continues to impress

Monday, 28 October 2019

The state’s best and most innovative public works projects have been celebrated at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Queensland’s (IPWEAQ) annual awards, with Winton Shire Council and Peak Services claiming the hotly contested ‘Best Project over $10 million’ category for the Waltzing Matilda Centre re-build. Pictured from left: Peak’s Brent Reeman, Winton Mayor, Cr Gavin Baskett, Brian Jackson from Peak Services and Lana Maki from Peak Services.

In a category highlighting works of major national significance and featuring nine finalists, the $24 million outback Queensland architectural project and integrated world class museum stood out, with award judges declaring the modernised and enhanced home for Australia’s unofficial national anthem ‘delivered on legacy expectations and guaranteed a memorable visitor's experience’.

Winton Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Gavin Baskett, told ABC Radio Western Queensland’s Ollie Wykeham the new museum has been called ‘the Opera House of the Outback’ (listen to the full interview).

“To have something like that out in Winton is just another sign of how we love to punch above our weight and how we’re not afraid to do these massive projects,” Councillor Baskett said.

“It got a pretty big cheer from the crowd and I think everybody that wasn’t nominated for the award was happy to see Winton win it.”

The project was funded by Winton Shire Council and the Queensland and Australian governments. Brisbane City Council’s Telegraph Road Stage 2 was also highly commended in the category, as councils from Goondiwindi to Cassowary had their work recognised.

IPWEAQ Chief Executive Officer Leigh Cunningham said this year’s awards had attracted a record 69 nominations through 14 categories.

“There are considerable benefits for winners including industry acknowledgement and recognition from their local mayor, councillors and community,” Ms Cunningham said.

“The respect and exposure the awards bring creates awareness of public works professionals who are specialists in their field dedicated to public service and making a difference to our communities across the state.”

Award recipients

Below is a list of all award winners on the night, with many other councils also being acknowledged for their great work: