The Hon Aileen MacDonald OAM MLC today paid tribute in the NSW Parliament to the treasure trove of cultural and historic significance of regional art galleries.

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Ms MacDonald told the House the cultural enrichment of regional art galleries is on par with those in the capital cities and singled out the Tweed Regional Gallery and the New England Regional Art Museum as being prime examples of what’s available in Regional NSW.

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“These galleries are not only among the richest in the state but they both feature the work of esteemed Australian artist Margaret Olley who was born in Lismore in the Northern Rivers region of NSW,” Ms MacDonald said.

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Ms MacDonald also noted the Tweed Regional Gallery, and the Margaret Olley Art Centre in Murwillumbah is an exceptional gallery which was opened in March 2014.“I am so proud of the Margaret Olley Art Centre at the Tweed Regional Gallery because it celebrates Australia’s most acclaimed painter of still life and interiors,” she said.

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She said the New England Regional Art Centre (NERAM) is renowned for containing the second largest and most valuable regional public collection in NSW.“NERAM is a jewel in the crown of regional art and just last year celebrated the 100th anniversary of Margaret Olley’s birth with a special collection of rarely seen works,” Ms MacDonald said.

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“Well done regional art galleries of NSW, once again punching above your weight.”