The central western town of Barcaldine has staked a claim in Australian history as the site of one of Australia's first major industrial disputes - the famous shearers' strike of 1891. The Australian Workers Heritage Centre was established in the centenary year of that strike. The Centre is on the site of the former Barcaldine school and consists of school buildings and other buildings that have been moved to the site. The centrepiece however is the Bicentennial tent which houses displays provided mainly by government departments or former touring exhibitions which have found a permanent home at Barcaldine.
Membership is made up of individuals, organisations and unions with the headquarters in Brisbane.
In 1997 the Centre, in partnership with the Education Department, opened Wanpa-rda Matilda Environment Education Centre which accommodates more than 50 school children. It is used as the base for school groups to explore sites of natural and historic significance in the Central West. This centre is considered a leader in environmental education and the use of technology in education. New facilities will be provided to upgrade the capacity for the development of exhibitions and interpretations and to improve the delivery of museum services. A major part of the project will be the establishment of The History of Australia's Working Women, a comprehensive interpretation of the contribution made by women to Australia's development.