Horsham group donates $10,000 to The Wesley

Published on 06 December 2024

The campaign to re-open The Wesley has moved $10,000 closer to its goal thanks to a donation from the Rotary Club of Horsham East.

Club president Terry Harris said donating money to local community causes was something his group had done for many years.

“Every year, disbursements from Rotary fundraising such as sausage sizzles, raffles, catering events, and our biggest event, the art fair, go back into the community,” Mr. Harris said.

“This year, our Rotary Club decided to put all our fundraising efforts into the Re-Open The Wesley Campaign.

“Having The Wesley back up and running is something that is badly needed here in Horsham.

“We need a venue suitable for smaller events, and the acoustics at The Wesley are absolutely fantastic.

“Those smaller theatre shows are often the best ones,” he said.

The Wesley served as a performing arts venue until its closure in 2017, with Horsham Rural City Council and the Wesley Performing Arts and Cultural Centre (WPACC) Committee seeking a fundraising goal of $550,000.

This will allow WPACC to seek matching government funds for the project’s $2 million upgrade.

The Roberts Avenue building holds special memories for Mr Harris.

“Fifty-two years ago, I was married there. I also went to many school productions and plays at The Wesley in the early 2000s,” he said.

Re-Open The Wesley Campaign

Photo: Paul Carracher, The Weekly Advertiser