The trust was set up by local residents to retain the site of Wollombi Public School (which was closed in December 2014) as a vibrant space for community events.

WSCET is the initiative of a small team of local volunteers whose aim is to keep the school in long-term public ownership for community use and educational programs. 

Two events were held on Saturday – a Harmony Day art workshop led by local artist Kes Harper, and a local history talk by Carl Hoipo and Tony Palfreeman.

“It would appear that this beautiful building has not yet lived out its educational use. The children begged to stay longer on Saturday,” Ms. Harper said.

A capacity audience attended the history talk, learning the stories of the early European settler period in the Wollombi Valley.

These events are just the start of a full program for the remainder of the year. The program will include more local history talks, an astronomy night, music and art programs, women’s self-defence classes, and an Indigenous culture and history program during NAIDOC Week (July).

The WSCET will also run the Wollombi Easter Markets on Monday, April 6. Funds raised will support community education events at the school.

For more information and bookings, email wscetevents@gmail.com or check out the website here.