Thank you to community members who took the opportunity to review the draft Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre Strategic Action Plan and provide feedback.
The draft Plan was opened to public consultation via Have Your Say on Thursday 9 July 2026 and closed at 5pm on Tuesday 4 August 2026 – a period of 26 days inclusive.
During this time:
- The consultation page received 179 visits;
- The draft Strategic Action Plan was downloaded 66 times; and
- 12 surveys were completed.
Of the 12 submissions received:
- 5 respondents strongly supported the draft Strategic Action Plan;
- 5 respondents supported the draft Strategic Action Plan;
- 1 respondent indicated a neutral position; and
- 1 respondent strongly did not support the draft Strategic Action Plan.
One of the surveys was completed on behalf of Country Arts SA (which was supportive of the Strategic Action Plan), with the remaining responses submitted by individual community members. Copies of all consultation responses were provided to Councillors as additional reading.
Key themes that emerged from the consultation:
Support for Strategic Ambition: Respondents broadly supported the Plan's ambition to strengthen The Riddoch's profile as a leading regional gallery through exhibition development, collection activation, educational programming and increased cultural leadership. Feedback demonstrated enthusiasm for attracting significant exhibitions, building regional reputation and elevating The Riddoch's profile locally, nationally and potentially internationally.
Collection Visibility and Access: Several respondents welcomed the focus on collection stewardship, auditing and increased public access. Particular support was expressed for showcasing collection items that have not been regularly exhibited and increasing opportunities for community engagement with the collection.
Local Artist Development and Participation: The most consistent area identified for potential enhancement related to opportunities for local and emerging artists. Respondents suggested stronger connections with local arts groups, professional development opportunities, pathways for emerging artists and increased opportunities for local artists through retail, exhibition or learning initiatives.
Education and Community Learning: Feedback strongly supported the proposed education and public program initiatives. Respondents recognised the importance of school engagement, career pathways, university partnerships and broader community learning opportunities in strengthening cultural participation across the region.
Identity and Regional Representation: While generally supportive of the proposed identity review, a small number of respondents raised questions regarding the proposed inclusion of "Mount Gambier" within the gallery identity, noting the gallery's role in serving the broader Limestone Coast region. Some respondents also encouraged consideration of First Nations place-based identity and storytelling as part of future brand development. These views will be further considered during the development of the new brand identity.
Following the conclusion of the consultation period the feedback was reviewed and the plan has been amended to include biannual commitment to report on the specific outcomes and progress of the delivery of the Plan to enhance accountability and transparency. The rest of the plan remains as drafted.
The Council Report for this project can be found here. The endorsed Straetgic Action Plan can be found here.
Thank you to community members who took the opportunity to review the draft Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre Strategic Action Plan and provide feedback.
The draft Plan was opened to public consultation via Have Your Say on Thursday 9 July 2026 and closed at 5pm on Tuesday 4 August 2026 – a period of 26 days inclusive.
During this time:
- The consultation page received 179 visits;
- The draft Strategic Action Plan was downloaded 66 times; and
- 12 surveys were completed.
Of the 12 submissions received:
- 5 respondents strongly supported the draft Strategic Action Plan;
- 5 respondents supported the draft Strategic Action Plan;
- 1 respondent indicated a neutral position; and
- 1 respondent strongly did not support the draft Strategic Action Plan.
One of the surveys was completed on behalf of Country Arts SA (which was supportive of the Strategic Action Plan), with the remaining responses submitted by individual community members. Copies of all consultation responses were provided to Councillors as additional reading.
Key themes that emerged from the consultation:
Support for Strategic Ambition: Respondents broadly supported the Plan's ambition to strengthen The Riddoch's profile as a leading regional gallery through exhibition development, collection activation, educational programming and increased cultural leadership. Feedback demonstrated enthusiasm for attracting significant exhibitions, building regional reputation and elevating The Riddoch's profile locally, nationally and potentially internationally.
Collection Visibility and Access: Several respondents welcomed the focus on collection stewardship, auditing and increased public access. Particular support was expressed for showcasing collection items that have not been regularly exhibited and increasing opportunities for community engagement with the collection.
Local Artist Development and Participation: The most consistent area identified for potential enhancement related to opportunities for local and emerging artists. Respondents suggested stronger connections with local arts groups, professional development opportunities, pathways for emerging artists and increased opportunities for local artists through retail, exhibition or learning initiatives.
Education and Community Learning: Feedback strongly supported the proposed education and public program initiatives. Respondents recognised the importance of school engagement, career pathways, university partnerships and broader community learning opportunities in strengthening cultural participation across the region.
Identity and Regional Representation: While generally supportive of the proposed identity review, a small number of respondents raised questions regarding the proposed inclusion of "Mount Gambier" within the gallery identity, noting the gallery's role in serving the broader Limestone Coast region. Some respondents also encouraged consideration of First Nations place-based identity and storytelling as part of future brand development. These views will be further considered during the development of the new brand identity.
Following the conclusion of the consultation period the feedback was reviewed and the plan has been amended to include biannual commitment to report on the specific outcomes and progress of the delivery of the Plan to enhance accountability and transparency. The rest of the plan remains as drafted.
The Council Report for this project can be found here. The endorsed Straetgic Action Plan can be found here.
Consultation has concluded.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed the draft action plan. A consultation report can be found here.
