Bundaberg Region artist Alice McLaughlin’s artwork, ‘Jordan River Watering Place’, has been displayed in Queensland Parliament during last week’s parliamentary sitting.
Alice’s painting is part of Queensland Parliament’s Regional Council Collection, a collection that began in 1977 when the then Speaker, the Hon James Houghton, invited shire councils to contribute works by local artists for the newly built Parliamentary Annexe.
A significant figure in the local arts community, Alice’s work is currently on display in a solo exhibition, ‘A Life in Art’, at Childers Arts Space.
Alice began painting at a young age, broadening her arts practice into a multidisciplinary career that included ceramics, mosaics, acrylics and largescale murals.
While living in Western Queensland, she studied at Perth Technical College (WA) via correspondence and furthered her artistic development through short courses and under the mentorship of established artists.
A dedicated teacher, Alice taught art within the Queensland Education Department for several years, a role she said was important to her.
“I like doing my own work, but if I had a choice, and had to choose one, I would certainly teach before I would do my own work,” Alice said.
“I love watching people improve and come up.
“You can see the ones that are going to go forward, it’s really special.
“Everyone should do a stint of teaching, it’s really good for you.”
After moving to Apple Tree Creek, Alice was instrumental in the foundation of the Childers Visual Arts Group.
“A few of us started on with the Childers Visual Arts Group,” she said.
“I did a lot of work to get started and it gradually grew.”
This collective of local artists met in Alice’s home studio, the Creation Station, for over 20 years.
Bundaberg Regional Council proudly supports and promotes the region’s talented artists through initiatives like the Regional Arts Development Fund, ‘Here + now’ a curated annual showcase at Bundaberg Regional Galleries and featuring local artists’ products in the Gallery Shops.
Visit Childers Arts Space to see an exhibition of Alice’s work, ‘A Life in Art’, on display until 16 February 2026.
