Welcome to the Queensland Boulder Opal Association website.
The Queensland Boulder Opal Association Incorporated (QBOA) plays a crucial role in representing opal miners and industry members. By providing a unified voice, the QBOA can advocate for the interests of its members and promote the sustainable growth of the opal mining industry. This collective effort helps to address common challenges, share knowledge, and work towards a more prosperous future for all involved in the opal industry.
Queen of Gems Jewellery Design Awards
The Queen of Gems Design Awards held its inaugural ceremony in 2006 as an initiative of Winton local business owner Mary Pearce. Entrants from across Australia showcase the Queensland boulder opal in all its splendour and the creativity of their design and manufacture. Since then, the annual competition has increased to receive entries from Australia-wide and internationally. New categories have been included, such as Wearable fashion, Objects & Art, and the new jewellery designers using CAD/CAST/CAM. Everyone is welcome to enter, from beginners to professionals.
Winton Opal Festival’s 2024
QBOA hold an annual Opal Festival in Winton, with the 2024 Festival taking place on July 12th and 13th. The Winton Opal Festival is the first on the circuit of Australia’s eastern states trade shows, held in opal producing areas.
The Winton Opal Festival takes place in Elderslie Street, between Werna and Oondooroo Streets. The main street is closed to traffic on Friday and Saturday 12th and 13th and you will find traders selling rough parcels, cut stones, as well as jewellery pieces, and allied souvenir items. You may also find some surprises!
2024 – Bring some colour into your life with our wonderful National Gemstone mined right here near Winton. Buy direct from the miners.
BLOG
Latest News
Major land acquisition
Queensland opal mining hangs in the balance after major land acquisition ABC Western Qld / By Hannah Walsh and Grace Nakamura Posted Yesterday at 9:42pm, updated 23h ago At Vergemont, a former cattle station larger than the Australian Capital Territory, the 57-year-old uses a hand pick to uncover dazzling slivers of rainbow rock. https://amp.abc.net.au/article/104251916Queen of Gems Award Winners 2024
Winner: “Lady V” Johanna Sheppard “U.G.L.Y Designs”
ABOUT US
The Queensland Opal Association’s (QBOA) function is to ensure that legislative and regulatory bodies controlling the industry have appropriate policies that are suitable to the needs of the industry and the promotion of this rare, unique product, Queensland’s Boulder Opal.
Opal is Australia’s National Gemstone
The Queensland Boulder Opal Association Inc. (QBOA) is an industry body that represents Opal Miners and QBOA’s members.
Thanks to our Sponsors – Queensland Boulder Opal Association.Inc.
