Butler backs campaign to save Wee Waa arts hub

Member for Barwon Roy Butler has backed the campaign to try to save the Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre.

As reported in The Courier last week, WWCACC president Ethan Towns recently launched a fresh appeal to keep the town’s much-loved ‘yellow door’ open, releasing a social media video calling for donations to stop the centre from closing this year.

“Unfortunately, at the end of April, the Wee Waa Arts and Cultural Centre will no longer be open – our R4R funding (Resources for Regions program) has run out, and since we were unable to get a new grant, the doors will sadly be closing. So that’s why we’re coming to you, the community, to ask for your help,” says Ethan in the video recorded by local photographer and videographer Penny Vella.

At the end of last week, Member for Barwon Roy Butler moved a Notice of Motion in the NSW Parliament, “That this House: (1) Acknowledges the Wee Waa Arts and Cultural Centre requires ongoing funding to stay open beyond April 2026.

“(2) Notes that the Wee Waa Arts and Cultural Centre board were informed last year that the funding request would form part of the Barwon 26/27 Budget Bid.

“(3) Acknowledges the correspondence from the Member for Barwon to the Minister on 2 September 2025 and the ongoing positive discussions regarding funding.

“(4) Thanks Lisa Almagro for her tireless work as Program Facilitator and for all her work to keep the centre open.”

Since WWCACC’s fresh appeal was launched, president Ethan Towns said the reaction has been positive as locals and art hub lovers have rallied to try to save the centre.

WWCACC remains hopeful there will be a positive outcome but said there is still a way to go, so the ongoing commitments from the community and its representatives are highly valued.

“Of course, there has been a public outcry at the thought of it closing down, but we really appreciate all the donations and there have been businesses reaching out to offer support too,” said Ethan.

“So, I’ll be meeting with them and we’ll continue following up all avenues.”

Mr Towns thanked Member for Barwon Roy Butler and said WWCACC was incredibly grateful for the ‘massive amount’ of support from Roy Butler and his local office staff, who have been champions of the centre since ‘the yellow door’ was first flung open in 2022.

“They’ve come to exhibition openings, supported the centre and Roy always drops in when he’s in town,” added WWCACC coordinator Lisa Almagro.

“I would also like to thank the committee for their tireless work – I wouldn’t get to do my job if it weren’t for them.

“Thank you to everyone for their support so far.”

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 considered by many to be 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.

https://www.weewaacacc.com.au/donation-page