The Hon. David Littleproud, Leader of The Nationals and Member for Maranoa, Media Release, 25 November 2025

Three Maranoa art galleries will celebrate the use and recycling of cotton through a joint art project that has obtained Federal funding.

Leader of The Nationals and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the art project, dubbed ‘Reparative Threads’ has received $15,176 to recognise the importance of cotton in the local community.

“Maranoa is home to 119,200 hectares of cotton landscape and almost 20,000 hectares of cotton-based properties, so its significance in the area is paramount, not just in our day-to-day lives but our culture, lifestyle and now through art,” Mr Littleproud said.

“I am pleased our local artists have received this grant as a reflection of the fibre our farmers produce and its multiple uses.”

Lapunyah Art Gallery president Helen Dennis said ‘Reparative Threads’ will explore the cultural and material residue of cotton, while working with renowned artist Dr Karike Ashworth and communities across the Western Downs.

Ms Dennis said it is a joint initiative between Dogwood Crossing at Miles, Lapunyah Art Gallery at Chinchilla, and Gallery 107 at Dalby, culminating in a multi-site community exhibition and the creation of a large-scale 3D wall.

“This process collects cotton litter from regional roadsides, using discarded cotton litter blown from trucks during harvest to honour overlooked labour, while celebrating rural identity and reflecting on cotton’s complex legacy,” Ms Dennis said.

“Across the region, communities will participate in labour-intensive handwork activities including ginning, scouring, drying, and spinning. Local textile groups will collaborate with the lead artist to transform this raw cotton into thread.

“Bundled papers, plants and objects will be tied with the spun cotton thread, soaked in identified natural dyes, and solar dried. Resulting stained papers and dyed thread will be used in coptic and stab-bound books, combining textile and paper traditions, and in making the collective art piece.

“Reparative Threads is ultimately an act of care, dialogue and reclamation, transforming waste into meaning and returning something beautiful and thoughtful to the region that inspired it.”

The Lapunyah Art Gallery is part of the Chinchilla Cultural Precinct, which was redeveloped under a joint project between the Western Downs Regional Council and funding obtained by Mr Littleproud through the former Federal Government.