Tenterfield residents are being invited to have their say on a proposal to name the theatre within the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts the Peter Allen Theatre.
The proposal, put forward by School of Arts Tenterfield Inc, recognises the connection between Tenterfield and internationally celebrated performer and songwriter Peter Allen, who was born in the town in 1944. Allen’s grandfather, George Woolnough, operated the saddlery business that inspired his career-defining song Tenterfield Saddler.
Mayor Bronwyn Petrie said Peter Allen had made an extraordinary contribution to Tenterfield’s cultural identity, visitor appeal and the way the town is recognised around the world.
“Peter Allen has had a remarkable influence on the way Tenterfield is known beyond our region,” Mayor Petrie said.
“Through Tenterfield Saddler, he put the name of our town on the world map and created a story that continues to draw people to Tenterfield.”
“The Tenterfield Saddler site is our most visited historic attraction, and Peter Allen’s connection to the town continues to contribute to the visitor experience and our local economy.”
Mayor Petrie said the proposal gave the community an opportunity to consider how it recognises that connection.
“Peter Allen is an important part of Tenterfield’s story, and this proposal provides an opportunity for our community to consider how we recognise that connection,” she said.
The proposed name would give the theatre its own distinct identity while retaining the overarching name and heritage significance of the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts. The building already has a number of spaces with their own names, including Donnelly Hall, the George Woolnough Wing, the Reading Room and Courtyard Cafรฉ.
The proposal has received support from the Peter Allen Family Trust and the National Trust of Australia (NSW), and is now being placed before the community for consideration.
Consultation is open from Thursday, 27 August to Tuesday, 15 September. Written submissions can be made by email to council@tenterfield.nsw.gov.au, or by post to the A/General Manager, Tenterfield Shire Council, PO Box 214, Tenterfield NSW 2372.
Council will consider submissions received during the consultation period before making a decision at its Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, 23 September.
The consultation comes ahead of the Peter Allen Festival, which will take place in Tenterfield from 2 to 4 October, bringing music and performance together to celebrate Peter Allen’s life, music and connection to the town.
Full details of the proposal are available on Tenterfield Shire Council’s website at tenterfield.nsw.gov.au/community/peter-allen-theatre.
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