The building will be upgraded to include a flat floor throughout the entire venue from street front to back-of-house, removing access and mobility issues.
The Wesley fundraising campaign committee has set a funding target of $1-million – with $450,000 already coming from The Wesley committee and Horsham Rural City Council.
Council decided at its June meeting to underwrite $490,000 in its 2025-26 Budget to reach the $1-million target to ensure a better chance of a successful grant application.
The council will apply for funding through the State Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
The Wesley Committee president Mary Starr said there had been incredible support from the community, with donations pouring in from all sectors.
Ms Starr said the $30,000 donation from the Handbury Foundation was a major boost to the campaign.
“The Wesley committee is extremely grateful for this generous contribution, which will ensure the enduring link between the Handbury family and The Wesley,” she said.
“Once reopened, The Wesley will serve as a medium-sized venue for the entire community, hosting a variety of events including school performances, eisteddfods, intimate theatrical performances, conferences, exhibitions, cabarets, meetings, weddings, and funerals.”
ACE Radio chairman Rowly Paterson said the company and Handbury Foundation was delighted to continue supporting The Wesley.
“The Wesley is an important project for Horsham and we hope to see it open very soon for the betterment of the community,” he said.
Horsham people have supported the campaign, including a successful raffle which raised $10,410 from selling 2082 tickets. First prize, a $5000 voucher donated by Helloworld Travel, Merryn and Geoff Eagle, and Robyn and Des Lardner, was won by David Leembruggen.
Shirley Blackwood won second prize – a $1000 voucher to the Horsham Town Hall, which can be spent on tickets to performances.
The third prize, a hamper donated by Herman’s Interiors, The Capital, Grampians Olive Co and Norton Estate Wines, was won by Peter Hoard.
The Wesley Committee is a non-profit group with deductible gift recipient, and donations more than $2 are tax deductible.
Donations are being accepted at Horsham Town Hall box office, in cash, cheque, card or electronic funds transfer or can also be made via electronic funds to Wesley Performing Arts, BSB: 033 629; account number 362 747. People requiring a receipt can email the committee via TheWesley
Horsham@gmail.com.
For more information about the Re-Open Wesley campaign, people can visit hrcc.vic.gov.au/reopen-wesley.
The entire July 31, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire July 31, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
