WWCACC Thrives with Council’s Support

Published on 05 August 2024

The Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre (WWCACC) has become a vibrant and inclusive hub for artistic and cultural development in the Narrabri Shire, showcasing the power of community collaboration and support.

The Centre's journey began in 2017 when an enthusiastic committee set out to establish a dedicated arts hub for Wee Waa.

Working closely with the local Aboriginal Land Council, the committee successfully secured a grant from the Murray Darling Basin Authority, and with support from the Narrabri Shire Council was able to start the refurbishment of a vacant building on Council property, transforming it into a thriving arts venue.

WWCACC Coordinator Lisa Almagro, expressed her gratitude, saying, “The yellow door wouldn’t be open without Narrabri Shire Council. We are incredibly grateful for their unwavering support.”

Since the Centre opened its doors in 2022 with an exhibition for the CREATE Festival, the collaboration between Council and the committee has been influential in maintaining and expanding the facility’s operations.

“Council’s involvement was vital for the venue’s creation and ongoing success,” said Almagro.

Council has brought pivotal events to the space such as CREATE and the NAIDOC Week programs in July, which have drawn significant interest, showcasing the Centre’s role in celebrating and nurturing local talent and culture.

“Since I’ve arrived, the partnership with the Council has been fantastic, they have been actively using our space for various programs and events and are always present and participating with the community,” said Almagro.

“The Mayor and Council staff have joined in at our events, such as painting boomerangs with kids during NAIDOC Week and attending exhibitions. Their involvement highlights Council’s commitment to supporting and celebrating local culture.”

Council’s Manager of Tourism and Cultural Services, Scott Pollock is also the WWCACC committee president and a prominent figure in the arts community.

Lisa praised Scott for his fundamental contributions to the centre’s growth and visibility in the region, as both a mentor and advocate for the Centre.

Scott’s major contributions came from introducing the venue to their first CREATE Festival and helping to facilitate a funding application to secure $399,840 via a recent NSW Government Resources for Regions grant.

“Besides the Narrabri Arts and Crafts Society, we don’t have many other cultural facilities, and WCAAC has just filled that hole beautifully, showcasing a lot of our local and Aboriginal art as well,” said Pollock.

The recent funding from the Resources for Regions Grant Program will ensure that the space will keep its doors open for the next three years.

Looking ahead, the Centre’s future looks as bright as its welcoming yellow door.

With the Council’s ongoing development of a new public art strategy, Wee Waa is poised to remain a key player in the Shire’s cultural landscape.

“It’s exciting to see how the tides have turned,” said Almagro.

“Wee Waa’s achievements are a testament to the strength of community support and collaboration.”