Film festival celebrates outback under the stars

The Palaszczuk Government has provided extra funding to ensure the success of the Winton film festival after last week’s fire at the Waltzing Matilda Centre.

Stirling Hinchliffe, Assistant Minister to the Premier, is in Winton for tonight’s opening of the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival.

“It is so important that the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival, now only in its second year, has a secure and viable future,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Our government recognises the impact of last week’s devastating fire on the Winton community and I’d like to acknowledge the tireless efforts and commitment of event organisers to continue to host Vision Splendid Outback in the face of adversity.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the Government has provided an extra $42,000 to ensure this year’s festival continued, after the loss of venue and equipment due to the fire.

“This extra funding was provided to assist with the change in venue and also to boost marketing and publicity to ensure the 2015 festival achieves the success it deserves,” he said.

“Events and festivals make a big difference to the outback economy, attracting visitors, boosting communities and supporting local jobs,” Mr Hinchliffe said

“To help support outback tourism the Palaszczuk Government launched Live Australia’s Story in May, a new $500,000 global campaign to inspire travellers to visit our outback.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the Government provided further support for film activity with Screen Queensland investing $530,000 in Goldstone, a contemporary western thriller set in outback Queensland, which completed filming in Winton and Middleton in May and opens in 2016.

“Winton continues to be a hub for screen activity with the production of Goldstone, the mini-series Texas Rising and tonight’s opening night festival film, the Queensland premiere of The Last Cab to Darwin, starring Michael Caton,” he said.

The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival runs from 26 June to 4 July: http://visionsplendidfilmfest.com.

[ENDS]

26 June 2015

Media contact: Chris Condon 0422 018 616