The Pomona Railway Station Gallery is turning 25 this year, but the milestone is about far more than an anniversary.
It’s a celebration of Pomona itself – its people, its heritage and a long-held belief that art belongs at the heart of community life.
The gallery, officially opened on 24 March 2001, has its roots in determination and volunteer spirit.
In 1995, a small group of creative locals formed the Pomona Progress Art and Tourism Association (PPATA), with a vision to support and grow the arts in the Noosa Hinterland.
Already custodians of the historic Majestic Theatre, the group set its sights on a new goal: an art gallery for Pomona.
Opportunity came in 1997 when Queensland Rail, which had closed the Pomona Railway Station in 1991, announced plans to sell the station buildings for removal. Recognising their heritage value, the Pomona Chamber of Commerce stepped in, requesting the buildings be donated for community use.
With the support of Noosa Shire Council and suitable land secured, the former station was relocated to its current site in April 2000.
Less than a year later, the Pomona Railway Station Gallery opened its doors – and it has been quietly building its reputation ever since.
Today, the gallery is one of only five community galleries operating in Queensland.
It is run entirely by volunteers and largely self-funded, supported by grants from government and business.
The heritage building itself is owned and maintained by Noosa Council, reinforcing its role as a shared community asset.
Like many community galleries, its existence has never been guaranteed. In the past year alone, around 40 volunteers contributed more than 2,260 hours to keep the gallery open.
Pomona Gallery president Ron Collins said the space plays a vital role in supporting local artists and the wider community.
“Over the past year, the gallery welcomed more than 10,000 visitors and generated about $65,000 for members of the local arts community,” he said.
The gallery also forms part of a broader arts ecosystem across the Noosa Shire. At the regional level, the Noosa Regional Gallery showcases professional artists, while the Cooroy Butter Factory, also council-supported, delivers a strong exhibition and workshop program. Pomona’s gallery provides a grassroots platform – accessible, local and deeply connected to its town.
As it prepares to mark its 25th anniversary with an official celebration on March 7, the Pomona Railway Station Gallery stands as proof that small towns can sustain big ideas.
Built on volunteer effort and community pride, it remains a place where art, history and people come together – a little big gallery with a lasting impact.
