Forster Arts & Crafts really began in 1966 by eleven members who met in a Forster Boat Shed and practised their various crafts. As the group grew - and outgrew the boatshed - a new venue was established at "The Casino" Forster Main Beach.
In 1989, "The Casino" was demolished and Great Lakes Council offered a block of land near their Council premises.
This was an opportunity too good to miss, the land was near the then newly-built Library and opposite the Shopping Village (now vastly expanded as Stockland Shopping Centre).
For the past decade, members had been actively fund raising with a new venue in mind. The then members set about designing their own building taking into account the surrounding buildings and what was needed for a superb craft centre - somewhere where members could gather, do craft together, and sell their creations. It needed to cater for a variety of crafts and associated equipment, assuring autonomy and security for the future.
Plans were professionally drawn up and went through the due process of building approvals etc. Great Lakes Council was and always have been very supportive of our Centre. To save on costs, the Society decided to carry out with member's help, all painting and internal fittings and shelves.
We are very grateful to these members, as we still have a wonderful building, with potters wheels, kiln and drying rooms, plenty of space for other crafts and a very spacious area to display Craft for sale. Our Display Committee ensure work for sale is of a high quality and is presented well, and we have regular special displays. The mezzanine area devoted to Ronald McDonald Quilts.
In 1989, "The Casino" was demolished and Great Lakes Council offered a block of land near their Council premises.
This was an opportunity too good to miss, the land was near the then newly-built Library and opposite the Shopping Village (now vastly expanded as Stockland Shopping Centre).
For the past decade, members had been actively fund raising with a new venue in mind. The then members set about designing their own building taking into account the surrounding buildings and what was needed for a superb craft centre - somewhere where members could gather, do craft together, and sell their creations. It needed to cater for a variety of crafts and associated equipment, assuring autonomy and security for the future.
Plans were professionally drawn up and went through the due process of building approvals etc. Great Lakes Council was and always have been very supportive of our Centre. To save on costs, the Society decided to carry out with member's help, all painting and internal fittings and shelves.
We are very grateful to these members, as we still have a wonderful building, with potters wheels, kiln and drying rooms, plenty of space for other crafts and a very spacious area to display Craft for sale. Our Display Committee ensure work for sale is of a high quality and is presented well, and we have regular special displays. The mezzanine area devoted to Ronald McDonald Quilts.