Published on Friday, 1 May 2026 at 12:01:05 PM
The City of Busselton will commence a staged opening of Saltwater Busselton with a Community Open Day on Saturday 9 May, inviting residents to explore the region’s brand‑new hub of arts, culture and events.
The Community Open Day will be a celebration for all ages, with Saltwater coming to life through visual art and live entertainment by local community groups, dance schools and roving performers throughout the building.
City of Busselton Mayor, Phill Cronin said the Open Day marks an historic milestone, giving the community its first opportunity to explore the art gallery, Convention Centre and other spaces within Saltwater.
“I warmly invite locals to step inside their new home of art and culture for the very first time,” Mayor Cronin said. “Saltwater’s spacious and elegant interior aesthetic reflects the venue’s strong sense of place with all elements of the building’s interior design inspired by the natural environment of the surrounding waterways and bush.”
Guests entering the foyer will be greeted by a striking artistic welcome, with artwork by esteemed Wadandi Elder Sandra Hill permanently etched into the travertine floor.
The day also marks the official opening of Saltwater Gallery’s inaugural exhibition, Two Girls from Amoonguna, an Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) touring exhibition. This exhibition features observationalist paintings and bush‑dyed, hand‑sewn sculptures by artists Sally M Nangala Mulda and Marlene Rubuntja, alongside an immersive animated video presented in the gallery’s sophisticated black box space.
The Box Office will also open for the first time, offering tickets to a selection of performances. These shows will take place in the newly available spaces within the venue ahead of the opening of the main auditorium, which is not yet complete.
“I encourage everyone to come along, explore the venue, enjoy local entertainment and discover how Saltwater will enrich our community,” Mayor Cronin said.
The Saltwater Community Open Day is a free event, with all members of the community welcome to attend.
From 9 May onwards, the Saltwater Gallery and Box Office will be open daily from 10.00am – 4.00pm.
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Council Plan (2024 - 2034) Key Theme Lifestyle – Our community is safe, welcoming and inclusive, with access to services and facilities to support good health and wellbeing.
Saltwater is now taking bookings for venue hire. To find out more about hosting your event at Saltwater, please visit: www.saltwaterbusselton.com.au or email: hello@saltwaterbusselton.com.au
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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