MEDIA RELEASE - Hazelhurst Arts Centre celebrates 25 years
Hazelhurst Arts Centre marks a major milestone in 2025, celebrating 25 years of delivering arts and culture to southern Sydney.
Founded on the generous bequest of Ben and Hazel Broadhurst, who gifted their property to Sutherland Shire Council for community use, and championed by a dedicated group of artists, including Garry Shead, George Gittoes, and Bob Marchant, along with art teacher and former Councillor Byron Hurst, Hazelhurst has grown into one of Australia’s leading public galleries.
Since opening in 2000, the Centre has welcomed over 3.8 million visitors. With its world-class Hazelhurst Gallery and Broadhurst Gallery for local artists, teaching studios, expansive gardens, and dynamic program of exhibitions, education, and public events, Hazelhurst remains a vital creative hub for the region.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Jack Boyd, reflected on Hazelhurst’s impact on the local community and beyond.
“For 25 years, Hazelhurst Arts Centre has been a cornerstone of our community, enriching lives through the power of art,” Mayor Boyd said.
“It’s a place where artists and audiences connect, creativity is nurtured, and culture thrives. We are proud to celebrate this incredible milestone and look forward to many more years of local artistic excellence.”
The centrepiece of the celebrations will be the landmark exhibition, Sanctuary: 25 Years of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, running from May to September. The artists showcased in the exhibition will reflect the strength and diversity of Hazelhurst’s storied history while also signalling an exciting future for the institution’s artistic program.
Alongside the exhibition, a vibrant program of public events, artist talks, and community workshops will invite the public to take part in the birthday celebrations.
The 2025 celebrations also coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Friends of Hazelhurst, who played a pivotal role in advocating for the Centre’s establishment and continue to support its vibrant programming.
Image: Photograph by Silversalt Photography.
Hazelhurst Arts Centre
782 Kingsway, Gymea
Open daily
10am-4pm
Free admission