FIRE has destroyed iconic Winton landmark, the Waltzing Matilda Centre overnight.
Shortly before 2am, a local teenager was woken by the barking of his dog and noticed the Museum was on fire.
The teenager called the fire brigade, however the fire quickly engulfed the art gallery, kitchen and cafe area.
Winton firefighters attended the scene and a unit from the Longreach Brigade travelled 177 kilometres to provide assistance,
They appeared to have stopped the spread of the fire to the main museum area but at 4.40am the fire flared up again and is still burning.
The Waltzing Matilda Centre was opened in 1998 to celebrate Winton's proud history and connection to the birth of the Banjo Paterson poem that went on to become the nation's unofficial national anthem.
Locals work to put out the blazing fire at the Waltzing Matilda Centre. - Picture: JOHN ELLIOTT.
The Waltzing Matilda Centre is unlikely to be reopened this year however Winton Shire Council will investigate options for the replacement of the attraction.
Winton Mayor Butch Lenton said: “This is a sad day for Winton. It appears that much of our history has been lost in the fire. Our town has faced tough times in the past and we will fight back”.