The Balranald Art Gallery (c1881) is a mecca for culture in the area. It is indeed so much more than a gallery. Run by a dynamic, faithful and motivated team of volunteers for over 40 years, and housed in a lovingly restored old freemason lodge, the ceilings are crafted beautifully in wood.

The skill, attention to aesthetic and dedication of the volunteers sets the gallery apart from others. The gallery has both a collection of permanent works, and an ongoing range of exhibitions and events.

It is worth a look every single time you are in Balranald.

A wide range of district wares are kept in the entrance area; earrings, artwork, food, books and merchandise.

Recent exhibitions include "Sista Girls"; First Nation's Creations, a collection of Contemporary art and crafts from a family of Wadi Wadi women. The works were truly amazing.

The gallery have had a Waterbird Photography Exhibition from early October.

They have an extensive permanent collection, one of the most popular of which is a painting of Ahn Do.

M. Caccioniga is particularly striking.

The Abbortsford Table is situated in the back room of the gallery. It is a 18 ft shearers table donated by the Turners of 'Abbotsford' Station, Ivanhoe.

They recently had a lampshade workshop, a fabric mache workshops, and a lot of other workshops and events to keep the district's cultural muscles stretched.

Their latest event is on Sunday October 20, from 10am to 5pm, a Mystery Garden Tour. There are limited seats, and is $50 per person. A light lunch, refreshments and lucky door prizes will be on offer. Contact the gallery on 0414563005 to enquire. RSVP is by 14 October, with full payment on booking required.