Flinders Shire Council, Media Release, 23 February 2026
Flinders Shire Council is proud to announce that the 2026 Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies has received a major funding boost through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Arts Project Fund (QAPF) Round 1.
Council has secured $43,485 from Arts Queensland to support a landmark Festival Finale performance 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, with completion scheduled later this month. Through the support of the QAPF, the Festival has been able to bring both parties together to present the work publicly for the first time.
The Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies will host the world premiere performance of the piece – a significant cultural milestone for the region and a highlight of the 2026 program.
Mayor Kate Peddle said the funding represents an exciting new chapter for 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 builds on the Festival’s history.
“At our very first Festival, we were fortunate to welcome a string quartet from the Orchestra. To now have a larger ensemble return for the Festival Finale shows how far the event has grown in such a short time,” she said.
“This performance will provide wonderful exposure to classical and orchestral music for our community, particularly for young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience a live recital of this calibre.”
The Festival Finale performance 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 also reminding visitors that accommodation is filling quickly, with strong demand already being recorded.
A second release of powered camping sites will be announced shortly, while a limited number of glamping tents remain available.
Mayor Peddle encouraged festival-goers to plan ahead.
“We’re seeing great momentum for 2026, and we encourage visitors to secure their tickets and accommodation early to avoid missing out,” she said.
Further program announcements will be made in the lead-up to the Festival.
For tickets and accommodation information, visit: www.festivalofoutbackskies.com.au.
Stay tuned on the festival socials for further announcements:
- Facebook – www.facebook.com/hughendenfestival
- Instagram – www.instagram.com/festivalofoutbackskies
