Penny Riley, founder of EBACC

EBACC’s first classes started in 1976 and were held in a property owned by Ettalong Beach Memorial Club. This consisted of a house with a garage and the running costs were covered by the club.

When the Memorial Club decided to expand, it was time to move on. Gosford Council then provided the old change rooms at Kitchener Park that were adapted by EBACC to become the pottery work room.

The members commenced a vigorous fundraising campaign and with help from both State and Federal government were able to build the arts and craft centre. This is the building we now have today and it is fondly known as “The Clean Room”.

The classes have changed over the years to reflect the needs of members and the community. The committee welcomes ideas from people with an interest in providing new and stimulating activities that will give members the chance to enhance their skills or try something entirely new.

EBACC is an inclusive not for profit organisation which aims to keep fees as low as possible to encourage participation in our classes.

We are fortunate to have a group of talented tutors who all excel in their own field and we are proud of the works of art that are produced by our students.

One day workshops are occasionally held on weekends to allow those who are interested the opportunity to sample a new craft. This may in some cases lead to a new class being added to our list.

EBACC Raku firing day, June 2010

Fundraising is conducted twice a year by our members and tutors. The first is our annual Raku firing day held in Kitchener Park on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June. The other is the Christmas Exhibition where students have the opportunity to display their work, sell a few items and help contribute to EBACC. The funds raised assist with the running costs of the Centre.

The Centre has experienced many changes over the years and we find it most rewarding when students who attended as children return to the Centre as adults to continue in their chosen field of art or craft. Many of our students and tutors have been successful in winning awards in competitions including the Gosford Art Prize and the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

With enthusiastic students and tutors maintaining a strong and vigorous membership base, EBACC will continue to grow and move with the times.