Reflections of Wyreena: Celebrating 30 years as a community arts centre

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 5th of March, 2008

Wyreena has celebrated 30 years since its establishment as a community arts centre, with tonight’s celebrations providing an opportunity to display the art gallery and to highlight the many programs on offer at the centre.

The establishment of a community arts centre at Wyreena was only possible due to the dedication of community activists who did not want to see the historic homestead being demolished after it was purchased by developers in 1976. A campaign ensued and these passionate activists were successful in convincing the then Croydon Council and the Rupert Hamer led State Government to purchase the site and to create a Community Arts Centre.

Wyreena officially opened as a community arts centre in 1978 due to the dedication of these community members. The strong sense of community within Wyreena still continues with the centre being managed by a voluntary committee of management.

Reflections of Wyreena, a booklet highlighting the history of the homestead and featuring a number of artworks, including paintings by Shirley Jones, has been produced to to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the arts centre.