February marks the first anniversary of the opening of the Rockhampton Museum of Art (RMOA) which makes it a fitting venue for the first official celebration of 50 years of U3A.
RMOA will host the ‘Meet and Greet’ function where members of U3A from Queensland and interstate will join with other international delegates and representatives from government and industry to celebrate U3A’s 50th Anniversary.
U3A Rockhampton President Chery Wickes said those attending the Meet and Greet will be able to meet up with old friends and make new ones while exploring the art gallery, best seen at night nestled next to the historic Customs House.
“They will also enjoy a scenic treat, with a horse drawn carriage ride with Capricorn Carriages along historic Quay Street. Just sit back, relax and enjoy!”
For most of 2022, RMOA staged its first major exhibition drawn from RMOA’s diverse and nationally significant collection of artworks. It includedacquisitions from 67 artists, and the collection highlighted 75 artworks.
Placed alongside Tunuba (Fitzroy River), with Nurim (Mount Archer) in the distance, these landmarks shape Darumbal Country upon which the museum stands today.
Locals describe RMOA as the home of a nationally significant painting collection acquired in the 1970s in an acquisition coup, driven by then Mayor of Rockhampton, Rex Pilbeam.

