Trumpets and horns will be at full volume in Rathmines this Saturday when the West Lake Macquarie Centre for Music officially reopens after a $1.9 million transformation.
The beloved venue, once the Sergeant’s Mess at the WWII RAAF Catalina Air Base, has been given a new lease on life with purpose-built studios and rehearsal spaces designed to support everything from brass bands to small theatre groups.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz will cut the ribbon at 11.30am, with festivities running from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Visitors can expect a morning of live performances from the Toronto Brass, Western Lake Macquarie Concert Band and the Westlakes Senior Charity Band, signalling the return of the centre’s musical custodians to their long-time home.
“The return of the Toronto Brass Band and Western Lake Macquarie Concert Band to their longstanding home is a testament to the resilience and passion of the local music community,” Council Manager Arts Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said.
“This reopening marks the beginning of a future-focused strategy to grow music and the arts across Lake Macquarie’s western corridor, ensuring creativity continues to thrive for generations to come.”
The refurbishment has delivered asbestos removal, new flooring, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, electrical improvements, fire safety systems and acoustic panels, creating a safer, more functional and more welcoming space while retaining key WWII heritage features. The venue will now nurture the next generation of local musicians, offering a perfect set-up for one-on-one tuition, group lessons, ensemble rehearsals and small-scale performances.
Beyond the brass, the centre will now host art exhibitions, school holiday programs, life drawing classes and workshops, complementing nearby attractions such as the Rathmines Youth Hub and Rathmines Theatre.
The grand re-opening of the West Lake Macquarie Centre for Music is happening this Saturday, 27 September, from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm at the centre, located at 33 Stilling Street, Rathmines. Visit lakemac.com.au to find out more.
