State Budget Delivers $3.9M Boost to Country Arts SA Venues

Country Arts SA’s four regional arts centres have received an almost  $4m boost over three years as part of the 2025/26 State Budget.

Equipment will be upgraded across the Northern Festival Centre in Port Pirie, Renmark’s Chaffey Theatre, the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre in Mount Gambier and Whyalla’s Middleback Arts Centre thanks to $3.9 million allocated in Treasurer Stephen Mulllighan’s Budget announced on June 5.

The MAC – as it is affectionately known – will receive the biggest upgrade with a program of works to modernise equipment within the 40-year-old centre, which is home to a 478-seat theatre and a 210-seat cinema in the heart of Whyalla. The upgrade project – expected to be completed by mid-2027 – will replace ageing equipment and improve safety relating to the staging of artistic performances.

The centres’ staff regularly carry out high-risk construction work activities including working from heights, in confined spaces, the movement of mobile plant and suspended load activities to bring to life a broad range of performances and activities that enrich the cultural lives of regional communities.

Country Arts SA Chair Kath M Mainland CBE welcomed the investment, saying it was a powerful statement about the importance of arts in every corner of the state.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this investment from the State Government, which recognises the immense value regional arts centres offer their communities,” she said.

“These venues are not just performance spaces – they are cultural hubs that support local artists, bring people together to celebrate, and contribute significantly to the social and economic fabric of regional South Australia.

Chief Executive Anthony Peluso thanked Arts Minister Andrea Michaels and the State Government for their continued commitment to regional arts.

“This funding will allow us to make critical upgrades to ensure our local staff can continue their work in a safe environment with reliable, modern equipment.”

“This investment ensures that communities in Whyalla, Port Pirie, Mount Gambier, Renmark and surrounds can continue to enjoy high-quality performances and creative opportunities for years to come,” he adds.

“We look forward to working with local contractors and trades to deliver these upgrades.”

Minister Michaels said the Malinauskas Government was committed to supporting arts and culture to thrive in our regions.

“No matter where we are, we all look to the arts for inspiration, connection and entertainment,” she said.

“Our government is committed to ensuring all South Australians can enjoy arts and cultural experiences right across the state.

“These four art centres are hugely important in their local communities and these upgrades will ensure they continue to provide locals with world-class cultural experiences for a long time to come.”

This latest announcement followed on from the Malinauskas Labor Government’s $80m State Cultural Policy – A Place To Create – which identified investment in regional arts and culture as a key pillar.

These important upgrades will ensure our much-loved and popular venues can continue to be integral parts of their local communities for a long time to come.

In 2024, 119,076 people attended 1832 events at the four centres with 14,484 people onstage and a further 2314 backstage.

Image: Arts Minister Andrea Michaels at the Middleback Art Centre for Country Arts SA 2025 Launch.