Wintergarden alive again!

Over 250 community members - young and old, families, Council members, arts lovers, and history buffs, and supportive community organisations gathered beneath the historic façade, celebrating the rejuvenation of a local cultural icon.

The day began with a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country with Uncle Will Broome, honourably welcoming guests and paying deep respect to the region’s First Nations custodians, weaving culture and ceremony into the event.

Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Helen Blackburn, Bridges Board Chair Tony Castro, and Bridges CEO Sharon Sarah ceremoniously cut the ribbon opening the building once again to the community. Their collective ribbon cut marked not just the reopening of building, but the reawakening of community memories and pride.

The festivities flowed outside as Favors Coffee’s unique vintage milk truck served aromatic brews, drawing in crowds eager to mingle and reconnect amongst a stunning display of vintage cars from the 1929 to 1968 eras adding nostalgic charm - photo ops and conversations blooming between vehicle aficionados and curious passersby. The car display was contributed by the Bundaberg Vintage Vehicle Club.

Inside Wintergarden gallery, guests explored “Showtime: A History of the Wintergarden Theatre 1929–1968” exhibition. Archival photos, playbills, costumes, and Bundaberg history offered a deeply engaging peek into the theatre’s and Bundaberg’s storied past and its role in birthing events like the Bundaberg Playhouse Theatre. A special feature is the 3D printed rendering of the Wintergarden as it stood in 1929 by Richard and Patsy from Beautiful Little Buildings.

The exhibition has been curated by Trudie Leigo with research by Delwyn Ainsworth, supported by RADF. The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

As evening descended, the theatre lights dimmed and the Redhead Productions ensemble took the stage with Memories, a sold‑out tribute to the Wintergarden’s legacy. The performance wove together songs that spanned decades; celebrating not just a building, but the dreams and connections it fostered.

This reopening symbolises a vibrant cultural hub revived - a place where regional stories can be shared, citizens can reminisce over old memories, local talent can learn and shine, and history remains alive in our collective story.

With the initial celebrations now fond memories, the question on everyone’s lips is: “What comes next?” With its renewed stage, the Wintergarden opens its doors to performances, community theatre, film nights, guest speakers, corporate events, and touring acts. The reopening was just a taste of what is to come from the team at BridgeWorx, a social enterprise of Bridges Health & Community Care.

28 June 2025 will be remembered not just as reopening day, but as a heartfelt renewal. From the sacred smoking ceremony and vintage charm to the emotional crescendo of Memories, the Wintergarden Theatre has reclaimed its role at the heart of Bundaberg. And with that stage lit once again, BridgeWorx hope to bring the Bundaberg community along on its new Creative Wellbeing journey at the Wintergarden Forum.

Showtime: A history of the Wintergarden Theatre 1929-1968 exhibition open to the public until September, 18th 2025. This free exhibition is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm at 2 Maryborough Street, Bundaberg.

For more information contact Bridges on 1300 707 655 or email communications@bas.org.au

Photography supplied By Sabrina Lauriston Photography and Bridges Health & Community Care.