Opening night celebration kicksoff CREATE Festival

The 2026 CREATE Festival kicked off with great fanfare at the opening night celebration held at The Crossing Theatre.

Lisa Almagro with Melody and Matthew Kebby.

Following the unveiling of new public art outside the Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre, the festivities shifted indoors for this year’s water-themed event.

Judy and Kristy Nobilo.

A diverse range of works from local and regional artists was showcased at the opening night.

Janice Smith, Janet Dampney and Elizabeth McPhee.

The night marked the start of two weeks of art, culture and creativity across Narrabri Shire.

Gamilaroi dancers featured as part of the opening night celebration.

Mayor Darrell Tiemens, who officially opened CREATE at the opening night celebration, praised the outstanding quality of work at the exhibition.

Helen Bell, Nanette Watson, Coral Marshall and Elizabeth Campbell.

“I strongly encourage people from around the area to grab a friend and take them along,” Cr Tiemens said of the exhibition now on display at The Crossing Theatre until the festival ends on Sunday.

Sharon Stoltenberg, Olwyn Campey and Judy Wilson.

Local Aboriginal elder Eddie Trindall delivered the Welcome to Country while Gamilaroi dancers also featured as part of the opening.

Rick Cunningham and Craig Salmon.

The festivities continued last Friday evening for the opening night of the Narrabri Portrait Prize and the unveiling of ‘Tiddalick – The Frogs of Wee Waa Community Art Installation’ at the Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre.Narrabri Art and Craft Society presented its members’ exhibition on the Saturday morning.

Wayne and Ethan Towns and Zac Forbes.

CREATE continues this week with the Art & Water workshop for people with disabilities today and Narrabri Portrait Prize – In Conversation With tomorrow evening at the Tourist Hotel.