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About us

Introduction
Awards
A short history
Management Committee
Staff
Volunteers
Membership

Introduction

Completed in late 2002, the Byron Community & Cultural Centre is a unique venue in the heart of Byron Bay.

A multi-purpose facility housing a 246-seat theatre and additional spaces for hire, the Centre hosts a variety of activities including performing arts events, festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars and functions.

It accommodates the Northern Rivers Writers’ Centre, Bay FM 99.9 Community Radio, Adult Community Education (ACE), Planet Corroboree (Indigenous art and craft shop), Fundamentals Vitamins and Beauty (Natural health store) and the Southern Cross University.

The Centre hosts a drop-in centre for the most needy people in Byron Bay in conjunction with the Salvation Army.

The Centre is entirely self-funded and is owned and managed by a not-for-profit incorporated association, the Byron Bay Community Association.

Over the last 20 years the Centre has established many community services and plays a major part in community development within Byron Shire.

 

Awards

1995: North Coast Tourism Award
1997: National Community Link Award
1997: Neighbourhood Centre of the Year
1997: Excellence in Training by a Small Business
1999: Community Link Award
2003: Dolphin Award for Best Venue

 

A short history

Initially established as the Mechanics Institute and renamed the School of Arts, the Byron Community & Cultural Centre was erected on specially designated land in 1895. By 1904 the building was not large enough to accommodate its many activities, so a "more commodious" School of Arts was built in 1907 with the help of a $1,000 mortgage.

The new building became the focal point of the town, home to a library, balls, roller-skating, weekly dances, meetings, billiards, a physical club, polling booths, films and other entertainment. In 1913 it was renamed the Byron Bay Literary Institute.

By 1980, the building had fallen into a state of serious disrepair and the Literary Institute trustees faced the tough decision of restoring, rebuilding or selling it. The community raised funds to repair the building, which opened as the Byron Bay Community Centre in 1981. Once again, the community used the Centre for myriad activities with a new emphasis on programs for young people and support for disadvantaged people.

Despite the restoration, the building remained dilapidated. After almost 20 years of fundraising and with support from many wonderful sponsors, the new Centre opened in late 2002.

Click here to download a more detailed history of the Centre (pdf).

 

Management Committee

The management committee sets strategic directions, develops policy and broadly oversees the Centre's operations. Committee members are elected annually by the members of the BBCA.

Current Management Committee:

President: Jani Collins

Vice Presidents: David Kenny

Secretary: David Sweet

Treasurer: Kerry Bugden

Members:

J'aimee Skippon-Volke

Kate Brady

Sevegne Newton

Galit Massuri

Carolyn Parker

Cr Jan Barham & Cr Richard Staples - Byron Shire Council Representatives

 

Staff

The Byron Community & Cultural Centre is run by a small, dedicated staff that includes:

General Manager: Paul Spooner

Venue Manager: Becky Buckwell

Volunteers Coordinator: Cherie Mamet

Welfare Officer:  Justina DonnaMaree

Projects Officer: Jim Beatson

Accounts: Kysama Angels

Theatre Technician: Juan Salvador

Market Manager: Tess Cullen and support manager, Majida Steinfeld

Housekeeper: Bilbo Taylor

 

Volunteers

We could not operate without assistance from the pool of volunteers who work as ushers, theatre technicians, catering staff, emergency relief, and on the front desk. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Byron Community & Cultural Centre, complete and forward the E-Form volunteer application form (pdf). We'd love to hear from you!

 

Membership

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Byron Bay Community Association complete the membership application form (pdf). To become a member your application must be signed and seconded by current members and endorsed by the committee. Membership costs $20 (full) or $15 (concession).

 

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