Plea to keep Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre’s yellow door open

There is a plea to keep the town’s much-loved and famous yellow door open after the Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre was advised it had been unsuccessful in the latest round of Create NSW funding.

“While this is disappointing, the centre will remain open until April 2026, with funding secured for the centre coordinator position until that time,” said a media statement released by WWCACC.

“The Yellow Door belongs to the community,” added WWCACC committee president Ethan Towns.

“We are determined to keep it open beyond 2026, but we cannot do it alone. We invite our community, partners, and supporters to stand with us as we work towards securing the future of this vital space.”

Over the years, the centre has become a meeting place for community groups, artists, and committees, and has made a tangible difference to the lives of locals.

The WWCACC is more than just a gallery space. Readers would be familiar with the variety of fun, inclusive and engaging activities that happen behind the yellow door.

A hub where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to connect, learn, and create with new and old friends. From mother’s group gatherings to school holiday workshops, it’s the home of Wee Waa Rotaract along with the successful and vital RiverBank Youth Works initiative.

Of course, there have been many notable art exhibitions held at the WWCACC, which have attracted attendees from near and far, such as artist Marlon Dalton whose work hangs in the restaurants of top chefs Gordon Ramsay and Colin Fassnidge. Along with events celebrating local talent including during the CREATE festival.

The WWCACC committee has been unwavering in its pursuit to provide Wee Waa with a unique space and a cultural centre, strongly believing ‘the arts are for everyone’.

“Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time, passing down cultural traditions, or simply enjoying the work of local artists, you belong here,” states the WWCACC website.

Coordinator Lisa Almagro has been the driving force behind the art hub’s vibrant success.

Consistently going above and beyond, Lisa’s creative talent along with her signature energetic and welcoming style would be a huge loss if ongoing funding isn’t found.

“Lisa’s contribution to the WWCACC has been absolutely crucial,” said one of the founding WWCACC committee members Sonia Fogarty.

“Her passion, enthusiasm, creativity, kindness and willingness to go that extra mile has earned her widespread respect and affection within the Wee Waa community and beyond.

“While the WWCACC is very much a team effort, Lisa is the one who actually makes things happen.

“In her own unique way, she draws people in from all walks of life and makes everyone, including emerging and established artists, visitors, program participants, community groups, and other clients at the centre feel welcomed and valued and wanting to come back through that yellow door.

“Lisa’s networking skills are amazing, and she has built an extensive contact list, ensuring that the WWCACC is never overlooked and making the yellow door a destination in its own right.

“I’ve seen firsthand how Lisa has literally changed the course of people’s lives through her encouragement and support from behind the yellow door.

“It’s been really touching to see how these people have responded to that and thrive, and in turn contribute back to the community.

“If we are unable to secure ongoing funding for the coordinator position, the impact on Wee Waa would be enormous, not to mention the impact on the lives of the many individuals who use the centre.

“Lisa is the heart and soul of the centre, and we would love to hear from anyone who is in a position to assist with funding the coordinator’s position so that we can keep our yellow door open well into the future.”

The WWCACC is registered for Aus Art Day on October 23, where it will showcase stories and testimonials from community members, artists, and groups who have benefited from the centre.

This campaign is designed to highlight why the Yellow Door matters — and why it must remain open. While there are currently no known grants available to fund the centre coordinator position beyond 2026, the committee is exploring all options and welcomes conversations with stakeholders, businesses, and individuals who share the vision of keeping the Yellow Door alive.

The WWCACC committee encourages people to attend the annual general meeting set to be held on Wednesday, October 15 at 6pm – 22 George Street, Wee Waa. (As advertised)