Western Plains Cultural Centre

The Western Plains Cultural Centre is a function of Dubbo Regional Council and houses the former collections of the Dubbo Museum and Dubbo Regional Gallery.

The Dubbo Museum formed by the Royal Historical Society (a volunteer group) in 1953. Following the termination of the property lease at Macquarie Street and water damage to the property during a storm, the Museum collection was transferred to Council ownership and placed in storage.

Dubbo Regional Gallery was established in 1989 (by Council) and was located in Darling Street, alongside the Council Civic Administration Building. In April 2003, as a result of a fire in the Civic Administration Building, Dubbo Regional Gallery suffered fire and smoke damage and was moved, along with the Gallery staff and the permanent collection, to the former High School site. The Dubbo Regional Gallery did however maintain a temporary exhibition space at the Dubbo Branch, Macquarie Regional Library throughout this time. The Civic Administration Building was redeveloped and in May 2005, Council staff returned to the Darling Street site.

These two unrelated events eventually led Dubbo City Council to establish an institution to house both the Dubbo Regional Gallery and the Dubbo Museum and a newly established Community Arts Centre. The Western Plains Cultural Centre was developed as a concept and planned to be located on the site of the former Dubbo High School. The site was transferred to Dubbo City Council for a token sum with the proviso that it continue to be used for community engagement and participation.

The Official Opening of the facility was on 10 February 2007 by the NSW Governor, Her Excellency Marie Bashir AC CVO.  The total cost of the project was $8.2M. WPCC is:

WPCC aims to create a positive and unique sense of place for Dubbo residents and visitors by providing opportunities and events for creative and cultural engagement with the community, and assisting in the preservation and growth of the region’s identity.