Once known for its many watering holes, opium dens and brothels, this Queensland town is being transformed into a working space for artists.
Observant visitors can still notice the signs of the wild and vibrant times when Maryborough's port provided an entry point into the state during the gold rush of the 1800s.
There are a lot of pubs in Maryborough — not just one on every corner, but several on every block.
Local artists have created street art that tips the hat to some of the more interesting characters from the city's golden era, including the Inspector of Nuisances and a Polish beer baron.
But it's the incredible historic buildings that really hint at the money that once flowed through the streets.
After years of being overlooked, Maryborough's built environment is getting a new lease on life as the Fraser Coast Regional Council (FCRC) transforms them into public spaces.
"People want to really get in touch with being creative in one shape or form," said FCRC senior arts coordinator Trevor Spohr.
The most recent project converted the former Netterfield and Palmer warehouse into a space designed to inspire and encourage local artists, now named Gatakers Creative Space.
With a clay space, print room, digital installation abilities, workshops and artisan shop, the building's renovation was practical while celebrating a time when pioneers and sailors would purchase and load supplies at the site.
"We had some architects up from Brisbane and they told us it is one of the most intact warehouses of its type in the country," Mr Spohr said.
"Everyone wants to move in here now."
'Paradise' for artists
Monumental canvases are sprawled across the timber floor in the warehouse loft and a woman is hunched over one, splashing paint in large colourful spirals.
Maryborough artist Sue Mclean was the first to take advantage of Gatakers Creative Space, working on her Earth Beneath Our Feet series which celebrates microbes.
Ms Mclean was overwhelmed to have access to a large contemporary space in which to paint.
"This is truly paradise," she said.
"I've done residencies before and they have been in small confined spaces.
Cast iron Roman columns, an ornate cedar staircase and a vaulted hoop pine ceiling — most likely sourced when timber was still cut from the World Heritage-listed K'gari Fraser Island — have all been preserved and highlighted in the space.
But the biggest benefit of the makeover, according to Mr Spohr, was that local artists now had place in which to work and meet.
"That is what this space is about," he said.
"If you are a beginner, or an advanced artist, a professional, this space is open to anybody that wants to use it."
Community space a 'second home'
For Ms Mclean, having access to the space motivated her to focus on her artwork and she pointed to a broader impact on regional Queensland artists.
"High ceilings, huge walls to paint on, it's a sense of place that stimulates you to want to paint better," she said.
"I think this space has many opportunities for everyone."
Mr Spohr hoped the space would become a second home for the local community.
But he also wanted its use to be led by residents, allowing them to decide what happened inside the building.
"People will be able to be a part of a bigger picture," Mr Spohr said.
"We are open to suggestions on what this space can be used for."
