History was the main topic of interest when the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce held a networking event at ArtWorks Granite Belt in the Stanthorpe Railway Station last week.
Finger food and beverages were available, and some of the members took the opportunity to view the art on display, but the main topic of the night was the QFS building restoration project, which is being spearheaded by a subcommittee of ArtWorks called the QFS Restoration Subcommittee.
For decades, the Queensland Fruitgrowers’ Society Ltd operated out of a big tin and timber building which stands within the Stanthorpe Railway Precinct … but the old building has been deteriorating in the many years it has been lying vacant.
The precinct has become more accessible and popular with the public in recent years and it was inevitable that with the need for expansion, attention would turn to the old building with a view to making it a community hub as well as providing a historical tribute to its heyday.
The story of its history was given to Chamber of Commerce members by ArtWorks secretary Barbara Bowyer.
Chamber of Commerce president Graham Parker said it was a privilege to be there to witness the hard work of the ArtWorks team as they endeavoured to revitalise the old QFS Building.
“Thank you, Barbara, for that history lesson,” he said.
“I have to be honest – I just learned things that I didn’t know about our town and this precinct. I look forward to seeing the progression of this project. Chamber is always excited to see ventures that enable our business community to grow and prosper.”
