About Us
Our Story
In February 1891, William Spencer gave a block of land to the Bunbury Municipal Council and the WA Government gave 1000 Pounds for a Town Hall. However, the Council of the day said the town could not afford it. This left the town without a proper performing arts centre.
In the late 1980’s, a steering committee was formed to investigate the potential for a theatre and to try to ‘drive’ public opinion. This was done through the development of concept plans. A fundraising committee was then formed and was very successful in generating corporate and community support and raised $2.2 million. The City of Bunbury provided $3.8 million and the WA Government $1.8 million for the building.
In February 1989, Hames Sharley Architects commenced design work and on 13 June, 1989 the first soil was turned on the site. Construction proper commenced on 19 June, 1989.
The Opening Gala Night was 2 November, 1990, featuring MC Jill Perryman, ballet dancers Fiona Tonkin and David McAllister, pianist David Helfgott, opera singers Thomas Edmonds and Robert Allman and the Band of the Fifth Military District.
Organisational Structure
The Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre is owned by the City of Bunbury. It is administered on behalf of the Council by the not-for-profit organisation, Bunbury Regional Theatre Inc. The Board of Management is voluntary and made up of nine community members and a Councillor from the City of Bunbury. Nominations are called in April each year for positions on the Board. Terms are usually for 2-years. In 2011-12, the Board is made up of:
| Chairman | Mr John Ventris |
| Vice Chairperson | Dr Robyn McCarron |
| Members | Cr Stephen Craddock |
| Mr Ray Frisina | |
| Mr Michel Greenhalgh | |
| Mr Simon Jacob | |
| Mr Brian McLoughlin | |
| Mr Trevor Smith | |
| Ms Dana Trtica | |
| Ms Nicola Waite |
The Board operates with a number of sub-committees, including the Executive Committee, Sponsorship, Youth & Community Development and Building & Development.
Future Plans
In 2006, the Board commissioned a study “To Determine the Feasibility of Expanding and Altering the Existing Facility”. This was done by independent theatre consultants and the decision was taken to proceed with a development.
In April 2011, Premier Colin Barnett announced that the State Government has committed $7.5 million to upgrade the facilities. The City of Bunbury, together with the shires of Capel, Collie, Dardanup, Donnybrook-Balingup and Harvey have contributed a further $2.47 million to complete the project.
The project will expand the BREC facilities to include a 250 seat studio theatre; enlarged administration and foyer space; function and meeting rooms.
Employment Opportunities
Part Time or Casual: If you are interested in casual back stage work, send details of your experience and interest to the Centre's Senior Technician.
Volunteers: The BREC Club is a ‘Friends of the Theatre' group dedicated to supporting the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre and the performing arts in the South West. Volunteers must be a member of the BREC Club
To join as an individual, download the application form, or call the Box Office staff at 1300 661 272.
If you are already a member, volunteer forms are available on request by calling 1300 661 272 or by emailing the Box Office.
Work Experience: The Centre accepts up to three Work Experience students each year from South West schools. Requests must be made through the Centre Manager.