Dame Nellie Melba herself performed there and now Gulgong’s historic Prince of Wales Opera House is set to embark on a major refurbishment with the help of the NSW Government.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Gulgong Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society Inc (Gulgong MADS) has received $246,286 to refurbish the Prince of Wales Opera House.
“The Prince of Wales Opera House is a performance venue with a fascinating history, and it’s believed to be the oldest still-operating Opera House in the Southern Hemisphere,” Mr Saunders said.
“Built in 1871, it’s renowned the world over for its acoustics, and has hosted everything from operas to plays – even boxing matches!
“Funding like this is vital to restore, preserve and promote this wonderful building, and help Gulgong MADS generate income to ensure the future of the Prince of Wales Opera House for generations to come!”
Gulgong MADS project coordinator David Warner said the funding will be used for Stage 1 of a larger program of refurbishment and upgrade works.
“This funding will address a number of important maintenance, restoration, compliance and access issues, and then we want to look at a number of other important things such as improving the lighting, sound and projection facilities,” Mr Warner said.
“It’s incredibly exciting. To get this funding to be able to progress the work we’re doing is just marvellous!”