The City of Mount Gambier has endorsed the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre Strategic Action Plan 2026 - 2028, providing a road map to strengthen The Riddoch's role as a cultural leader while expanding opportunities for artists, students and the broader community.
The Strategic Action Plan delivers Council's commitment to develop an arts and culture strategy and has been shaped through consultation, research and benchmarking of regional galleries across Australia.
Built around six key priorities, Governance, Collections, Exhibitions, Education, Identity and Investment, the Plan outlines actions that will guide the future development of The Riddoch and its cultural contribution to Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast.
The plan was informed by community workshops, stakeholder discussions and broader engagement activities, including consultation undertaken through the CBD Master Plan and Mount Gambier 2035 projects.
Public consultation on the draft Plan was undertaken from 9 July to 4 August 2026, attracting 179 visits to the Have Your Say Mount Gambier page, 66 document downloads and 12 survey responses.
Respondents expressed strong support for the plan's ambition, particularly its focus on exhibition development, collection access, education initiatives and cultural leadership.
Consultation feedback also demonstrated strong support for a renewed identity for The Riddoch, recognising the important role it will play in strengthening awareness, engagement and pride in the gallery. A refreshed identity has been identified as one of the priority actions to be progressed under the Strategic Action Plan.
"Community feedback strongly supported a renewed identity for The Riddoch, recognising the important role it will play in strengthening awareness, engagement and pride in the gallery," Director Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre and Cultural Development Ashleigh Whatling said.
"The Strategic Action Plan provides a bold and exciting vision for The Riddoch and reflects our ambition to be recognised as one of Australia's leading regional galleries," Ms Whatling said.
"It sets out a clear pathway for increasing access to arts and culture, strengthening our collection, delivering outstanding exhibitions and creating meaningful opportunities for learning and participation."
Consultation feedback also highlighted support for showcasing more of The Riddoch Collection and strengthening opportunities for local artists and emerging creatives.
In response to community feedback, the final plan includes a commitment to provide bi-annual public reports on progress and outcomes, enhancing transparency and accountability.
"The community made it clear they value The Riddoch's role in our region and want to see continued support for artists, education and cultural experiences," Ms Whatling said.
"The plan balances local opportunities with a commitment to attracting significant exhibitions and partnerships that help raise Mount Gambier's profile as a cultural destination."
Key actions include progressing a comprehensive collection audit, expanding exhibition and publication programs, strengthening partnerships with schools and universities, and developing new opportunities for professional development across the creative sector.
"The Riddoch has an important role to play in connecting people through creativity, storytelling and shared experiences," Ms Whatling said.
"This plan provides a strong foundation for future growth while continuing to celebrate the unique stories, people and creativity of Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast."
Implementation of the Strategic Action Plan will commence immediately, with the first progress report scheduled to be presented to Council in December 2026.
