Welcome to our list of arts and cultural events happening in the NSW Central West gathered from artists, event producers, great local venues and groups across the region.
It’s free to submit your local events. (Use the ‘Submit’ option under the ‘Whats On’ menu at the top of the page).
For maps and details of museums, galleries, artist studios, historic sites, Aboriginal experiences and sites, craft shops, handmade retail outlets or public art go to the Culture Maps Central NSW menu..

Meet Author Lisa Ireland at Cowra Library

Cowra Library 77 Darling Street, Cowra, NSW

Join us at Cowra Library when author Lisa Ireland launches her latest book The One and Only Dolly Jamieson. The book is described as a compelling feel-good novel featuring a proud and gutsy heroine with a truly unbreakable spirit.

Free

Ned Manning Book Launch – Painting the Light [A novel]

Cowra Bowling Club Vaux St, Cowra, NSW

Ned Manning is a writer, actor and teacher. His memoir, Playground Duty (NewSouth Books), has become required reading for anyone interested in the real world of teaching.

The Life and Rhymes of Banjo Paterson – Show and book launch

Orange Senior Citizens' Association Inc 77 Kite Street, Orange, NSW

Three-time Australian Champion bush poet, Gregory North, presents the history and selected verse of Banjo Paterson. Accompanied by visuals, Greg's companion book will be launched on the night.

Skate Park Mural Consultation

John Lomas Skatepark Orange

Exciting news! The John Lomas Skatepark on Moulder Street is getting an upgrade with the addition of murals. To make sure it's a great fit for our local community, we want to hear from you.
That's why we're holding a consultation event this Friday from 5pm where you can share your ideas with the artists who will be creating this beautiful new addition. And to make it even better, we're providing a free barbecue for everyone who comes along! See you there.

Archie 100 Saturday Talks: NATALIE WILSON, Curator

Bathurst Regional Art Gallery 70-78 Keppel Street, Bathurst, NSW

Natalie Wilson, Curator, Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize, talks about her experiences developing the exhibition.

Meet Christine Stewart – Collits’ Inn Uncovering the past

Orange City Library 147 Byng Street, Orange, NSW

Meet Christine Stewart talking about her book Collits’ Inn Uncovering the past presented by Orange and District Historical Society at Orange City Library.
Discover the surprises found in restoring this 1823 Australian icon! Collits’ Inn sits at the foot of Mount York, in Hartley Vale, just on the western side of the Blue Mountains. The Inn was built by Pierce Collits, an ex-convict in 1823.

Free

MY BLOCK

Bathurst Bathurst, NSW

Ever wondered who lived and worked in your block? This year step back in time to the very
first Block, the one that started it all, Bentinck, Brilliant, William and Rocket streets. Join this
walking tour for some fascinating insights into the lives, hopes and aspirations of the people
who lived and worked there. Who were they? What did they do for a living? Wear a hat and
sturdy walking shoes. Bring a bottle of water and a sense of humour!

Saturday Talks: JOHN DALY, artist, reCLAYm

Bathurst Regional Art Gallery 70-78 Keppel Street, Bathurst, NSW

Join artist John Daly as he discusses his foyer exhibition, reCLAYm.
Throughout history, potters have reclaimed their trimmings from broken, unfired pots, reprocessing them into fresh clay for the potter’s wheel. Cowra-based ceramic artist John Daly seeks to find other materials that can be redirected from landfill and transformed by the kiln into something new, and calls for artists to play their small part in the ecological challenge presented by waste materials.

Lord Carrington is coming to town!

Mudgee Library Event Zone, Level 2, 64 Market Street, Mudgee, NSW

Join Museums of History NSW as they bring one of the jewels of the State Archives Collection, the Carrington Albums, to Mudgee.

Free

Louisa and Lesley – The power of Women – Then and now

The Pavilion at LOWE Tinja Lane, Eurunderee, NSW

This event is the culmination of more than 2 years of tireless fundraising and campaigning to recognise the life and achievements of Mudgee woman, Louisa Lawson, and to celebrate the unveiling of a magnificent bronze statue in her honour, on this International Women's Day, 8th March 2023.

TIMBER HAWKEYE

Bathurst Library 70-78 Keppel Street, Bathurst, NSW

Timber is the bestselling author of Buddhist Boot Camp, Faithfully Religion less and The
Opposite of Namaste. He will be at the Library for a free book talk, discussion and Q&A

Celebrate with Cementa

WAYOUT ArtSpace, Kandos 71 Angus St, Kandos, NSW

Join us for a screening of 'Welcome to Kandos' (Fran Tinley & Justin Hewitson, 2015), a documentary about the inaugural Cementa13 festival
Afternoon talks with:

Daniel Mudie Cunningham (moderator) – Cementa24 Curator
Raquel Caballero – Cementa24 Artist
June Golland – Cementa24 Artist
Georgina Pollard – Cementa founding co-Director & Alumni
Jason Wing – Cementa24 Artist

CHARLES DARWIN IN BATHURST TOUR, EXHIBITION & CURATORIAL TALK

Bathurst District Historical Museum East Wing Courthouse, 162 Russell Street, Bathurst, NSW

Many know Charles Darwin as one of the world’s most famous biologists but few know he
visited Bathurst. Hear about Darwin’s visit as a young man in 1836, his adventures in Australia,
his opinions, and how Darwin’s visit influenced his work and science. This talk, conducted by
Kim Bagot-Hiller, will include a short walk from the Bathurst Historical Museum to Machattie
Park and return to view a letter written by Darwin.

Hip Hop & Hymns: Author Talk

Bathurst Library 70-78 Keppel Street, Bathurst, NSW

Bathurst Library and Charles Sturt Alumni Office are thrilled to be hosting ex Bathurst CSU student and now ABC Journalist Mawunyo Gbogbo for a discussion on her powerful 2022 memoir ‘Hip Hop & Hymns’.

LIVE BROADCAST – ALL ABOUT WOMEN: ACTUALLY AUTISTIC

Bathurst Library 70-78 Keppel Street, Bathurst, NSW

In support to the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) campaign #EmbraceEquity, Bathurst
Library will be screening one session of All About Women 2023 as a discussion panel livebroadcast direct from the Sydney Opera House. Featuring Chloe Hayden, Grace Tame &
Jac den Houting, and curated and moderated by Amy Thunig.

Lord Carrington Archives on Tour: Expert Talk and Display

Orange City Library 147 Byng Street, Orange, NSW

Discover one of the jewels of the State Archives Collection, as the Carrington Albums embark on a regional tour, hosted by Museums of History NSW.
Visit Orange City Library on Tuesday 14 March at 5.30pm to view the albums and enjoy an expert talk.

Free

Museums of History NSW Archives on Tour

Bathurst Library 70-78 Keppel Street, Bathurst, NSW

Travel back in time to colonial NSW and view the exquisite handcrafted illuminations in these albums from the 1880s. You’ll marvel at the rare snapshot of a bygone era, and learn about the history of the Carrington Albums and their journey around the world.

DEFENCE WORKERS HOUSING IN BATHURST

Bathurst Uniting Church Hall 140A William Street, Bathurst, NSW

With the establishment of a Small Arms Factory in Bathurst in 1941, there was an urgent
need to provide accommodation for the required workers. Hundreds would be needed. Who
provided it? Where were they? John Judge will confirm some details for you and provide
answers. A light supper will be served at the conclusion of the presentation.

FROM TIPPERARY TO LIMEKILNS: THE CHIFLEYS OF LIMEKILNS

Wattle Flat Catholic Cemetary 3787 Sofala Road, Wattle Flat

Kim Bagot-Hiller presents It’s a long way from Tipperary to Limekilns: four months by ship and
three years to Bathurst and then to Limekilns to be exact! Sailing out of Liverpool, England in
1858, Patrick Chifley at the age of 26 emigrates from County Tipperary, Ireland, setting foot
in Sydney on 24 September.

Recurring

WALKING TOUR AROUND THE HISTORIC VILLAGE OF ROCKLEY

Rockley Rockley, NSW

Officially gazetted in 1851, Rockley is listed by the National Trust as an Historic Village. This
guided walking tour commences with a short talk in Stevens Park followed by a gentle stroll
around the village.

A SUNDAY DRIVE IN THE COUNTRY – MOUNT DAVID VILLAGE

Mt David Loch Erin Road, Mt David, NSW

A Sunday Drive in the Country - Mount David Village - back by popular demand! Visit the
small historic village of Mount David, situated in the Oberon LGA. The area is steeped in gold
mining history and is also known for sapphires. Hear stories of the once thriving village of
three general stores, a butcher, a baker and the Enterprise Hotel. A leisurely walk around
the village will culminate in a light lunch provided at ‘Sunnyridge’, former home of the Hope
family and pioneers of the region.

 

The What’s On calendar covers arts and heritage events happening across the NSW Central West in the local government areas of Bathurst Region, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western Region, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin.

Event listings are sourced or supplied from local venues and arts organisations. Many events listed here have been originally shared by the organisers on social media. Whilst all care is taken – and accuracy is our priority – we can take no responsibility for date changes or the content of contributed information. Contact the event organisers listed for more details or to book tickets.

The best way to include your event is to use our SUBMIT HERE form (under the What’s On menu at the top of each page). These listings will be manually approved by the Arts OutWest team before publication.  Please allow a couple of days for listings to be published. If you have submitted an event and want to make changes just email us at artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Featured events‘ are those submitted directly online by presenters.

Event promotors are asked to only include their own original images / images that they have permission to use / copyright free stock images. For more information see our fact sheet on Using Images For Promoting Events (if you can’t see this link look under ‘Opportunities’ then ‘Resources’).