Buckle up for an exciting new art exhibition at Beaudesert

Published on 18 September 2026

An exciting new exhibition celebrating the adventures of two pioneering Australian women and their extraordinary 1920s cross-country journey by car opens this week in Beaudesert.

Eat My Dust!, based on the children's picture book of the same name and featuring the artwork of award-winning Queensland illustrator Lucia Masciullo, launches on Saturday 19 September at The Centre Beaudesert, headlining Scenic Rim Regional Council's spring school holiday program.

Scenic Rim's Community, Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Kerri Cryer said the exhibition was a celebration of art, history, creativity and adventure for all ages.

"Council is proud to present this beautiful exhibition which captures the amazing true story of two trailblazing Australian women in artwork by Lucia Masciullo," she said.

Lucia was born and bred in Livorno, Italy and moved to Australia in 2007. She now lives and works on the Gold Coast where she has collaborated with top Australian and English publishers.

The Eat My Dust! exhibition presents Lucia's vivid collection of original illustrations featured in the colourful children's book by Australian author and poet Neridah McMullin.

"The two women at the centre of the exhibition, Jean Robertson and Kathleen Howell, were both pioneering long-distance motorists and adventurers who helped map Australia in 1928," Cr Cryer said.

"Theirs is a remarkable story of two very intrepid women who relied upon each other to tackle the Australian outback, mapping uncharted territory and shattering records.

"Eat My Dust! recounts Jean and Kathleen's momentous journey, when women rarely drove cars let alone raced them and who made history, racing across Australia and beating the land speed record . . . all with Barney the dog in tow!

"This exciting story will resonate with all ages."

The exhibition also presents a beautiful selection of Lucia’s working drawings, research materials and original designs, offering a unique insight into her exploration of this remarkable chapter in Australian history.

Complementing these are historical memorabilia, artefacts, maps and an amazing collection of photographs taken in 1927-1928 by Jean and Kathleen during their epic journey across the Nullarbor.

Accessed from the State Library Victoria Collection, these compelling images bring their pioneering adventure vividly to life and offer a rare glimpse into Australia’s past.

"A further highlight of the exhibition is a beautiful collection of vintage-inspired artworks and gifts created by local artists and makers, all reflecting the spirit and style of the late 1920s," Cr Cryer said.

"This is another fabulous cultural opportunity for local residents and visitors which Council is proud to support, showcasing the Scenic Rim as a thriving arts and cultural destination."

Eat My Dust! is open to the public at The Centre Beaudesert, 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm from 19 September to 12 December excluding public holidays.

As part of the exhibition, Lucia Masciullo will lead several art workshops during Council's packed School Holiday Program:

The Centre Beaudesert, 82 Brisbane Street, Beaudesert

Monsters! Art Workshop. Tuesday 29 September, 10:30am. For ages 5-12 years to have fun creating silly, spooky, colourful and quirky monsters! In this two-hour creative hands-on workshop, kids will use pencils, crayons, markers, and paint to design colourful patterns and textures. Tickets $15.
Eat My Dust! Watercolour workshop. Tuesday 29 September, 1:30pm - 4pm. For ages 8-12 years to have fun and be bold using ink and watercolour. In this fun, 2.5-hour hands-on workshop, kids will discover how to create bold ink drawings and bring them to life with bright, expressive watercolours. All materials provided. Bookings essential, limited places. Tickets $15.
A 2-day adult workshop - Drawing Stories will be held at The Centre Beaudesert on 24 and 31 October 2026.

Vonda Youngman Community Centre: 2 Knoll Road, Tamborine Mountain

Monsters! Art Workshop. Wednesday 30 September, 10am. For ages 5-12 years to have fun creating silly, spooky, colourful, and quirky monsters! In this two-hour creative hands-on workshop, kids will use pencils, crayons, markers, and paint to design colourful patterns and textures. Tickets $15.
Colour Magic Painting Workshop. Wednesday 30 September, 1pm - 3.30pm. For ages 8-14 years to have fun and explore the amazing magical world of colour and create your very own abstract masterpiece. Tickets $15.

For more information about the exhibition and to book school holiday activities, visit the Creative Scenic Rim website.