GeniAus: A new beginning for Wollarobba

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

A new beginning for Wollarobba

I drove past Wollarobba, a very handsome early 20th century home, every day for about eight years of my working life and didn't spot it nestled among the trees in Willow Park, Hornsby.

This clipping from "The Shaping of Hornsby Shire" relates the early history of Willow Park and Wollarobba.

Restored stained glass windows that
had been hidden by black paint

The old tenants have moved on and Wollarobba has been refurbished by Hornsby Council at a cost of $400,000. It was officially opened as The Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre last Sunday, October 9th.

"Artists, art enthusiasts, students and art educators now have a new hub in central Hornsby with facilities and activities including community art studios, a purpose-built printmaking room, art classes, an artists’ lounge and a professional gallery space. The Hornsby Art Society also has an office in the centre." (Source)

I attended the Official Opening and was most impressed by the facilities, the sympathetic and economical restoration job and the beautiful building. I had my camera with me to record some happy snaps of Mr Geniaus (Robert Ball) who was the MC at the ceremony and who assisted the Mayor, Nick Berman, in the cutting of the ribbon. It was Robert's last official public duty after 19 years as the General Manager of Hornsby Council.