Kildallon Grand Opening

On Saturday 16 November 2022, Mudgee Arts Council was delighted to stage a free community day to celebrate the official opening of the Kildallon Education Centre. Special guests included Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders, Mid-Western Regional Council Deputy Mayor Sam Paine and over 500 members of the community who were welcomed to the new cultural space on a gorgeous sunny day.

The groups who make regular use of the space banded together to offer a full program of activities, including tours of the Kildallon buildings and grounds and a scavenger hunt.

Members of U3A wielded their BBQ tongs to provide sausage sandwiches, the multitalented Mudgee Concert Band performed a range of songs AND provided an assortment of baked goods. The newly formed Strings Ensemble performed songs from their repertoire and Mudgee Performing Arts Society performed old favourites and new work. Mudgee Readers’ Festival showcased local poetry with some highly relevant readings; including celebrated local bush poet Kevin Pye performing a cheeky piece from the days when the building that we now call Kildallon was a boarding house for young women studying in Mudgee.

As families and friends milled around, lounged on the lawn, and sampled the fairy floss and face painting, those wishing to escape the sunshine and quietly appreciate some art were inside the building watching the short film screenings and admiring the U3A arts and craft display.

This open day was presented free to the community, thanks to Mid-Western Regional Council and the NSW Government. Mudgee Arts Council has already been brainstorming an annual Spring Fair day to showcase the talent and enthusiasm making use of this fantastic community space all year around.