TOMAREE Cultural Development Group is seeking support for an Arts and Cultural Centre.

The group was formed in 2022, partly in response to NSW government plans to transfer the site known as Tomaree Lodge to the Port Stephens LGA.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Members submitted a proposal to use the site as an Arts and Cultural Precinct, and have since commissioned an economic assessment.

“The centre will create educational and employment opportunities and stimulate local business growth estimated at $1.5 million annually,” member Kathy Barnes said when addressing Port Stephens Council last week.

“We have investigated 26 centres in LGA’s throughout NSW, most of which are smaller than Port Stephens, and they have become the hub of their communities.”

“In Port Stephens there are bands, choirs, music and drama groups, five ballet schools as well as many artists – and they have nowhere to call home.

“So let’s develop one.”

When queried by Cr Giacomo Arnott about the projected cost of such a facility, Ms Barnes said the group estimated around $50 million “to do it properly”.

Cr Arnott also expressed some concern that a centre purported to be for the Port Stephens LGA may not be seen as accessible “for someone who lives in, say, Butterwick, (and) will have to spend over an hour in the car to get there.”

Medowie and Raymond Terrace were mentioned as potential locations that were more central for the LGA.

Cr Peter Francis also noted that tourism to Raymond Terrace was potentially more robust than that seen on the Tomaree Peninsula.

Responding to Cr Chris Doohan’s questions about how far the group has progressed in its endeavour, Ms Barnes said that getting Port Stephens Council on board the project was the crucial step.

“Agreed, but getting funding is even more crucial, and you’re probably not going to get a lot from us, unfortunately,” Cr Doohan replied.

“We’ll kick the can as best we can, but funding is going to have to come from elsewhere for something of this magnitude.”

By Lindsay HALL