Yellow Door set to receive grant funding boost

Member for Barwon Roy Butler has welcomed news that Wee Waa’s much-loved Yellow Door will be able to stay open for longer thanks to a grant funding boost.

Mr Butler’s office announced the Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre (WWCACC) is set to receive just under $90,000 through the NSW government’s Local Priorities Stream 3, part of the Active Regional Communities Package, which provides grants to community organisations to expand activities that improve wellbeing and increase social or economic participation.

“I thank the government for recognising the unique contribution the centre makes to Wee Waa by granting this funding,” said Mr Butler.

“I know the whole community will celebrate.”

WWCACC will continue to seek long-term funding options to secure its place and future permanently in the community.

“The Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre is much more than an art gallery, although it certainly contributes a lot to the region’s creative community,” said Mr Butler.

“The centre has served as a community hub, both for individuals and for local organisations.

“It’s made a difference in many people’s lives, from kids struggling at school all the way through to senior citizens.

“Providing the opportunity for social interaction across generations and backgrounds also improves community cohesion.”

As reported previously, a plea to keep the town’s iconic Yellow Door open was made last year after WWCACC was advised it had been unsuccessful in the latest round of Create NSW funding.

A campaign was launched, with local representatives lobbying and businesses and individuals offering donations.

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.

Readers would be familiar with the variety of fun, inclusive and engaging activities that happen behind the yellow door, making WWCACC more than just a gallery space – a hub where people 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.

It has also hosted events celebrating local talent, including during the CREATE festival.

The WWCACC committee, coordinator Lisa Almagro and local helpers have been unwavering in their pursuit to provide Wee Waa with a unique space and a cultural centre, strongly believing ‘the arts are for everyone’.

Wee Waa News/The Courier will have more on the grant funding and the community reaction in next week’s edition.