For 20 years, Hazelhurst Arts Centre at Gymea has stood as a beacon of the regional arts world, gaining kudos, not just in Sutherland Shire, but throughout NSW and Australia.
Starting as little more than a pipe dream, it is testament not only to Sutherland Shire Council but a band of supporters that included everyone from politicians to some of our most praised artists.
It has welcomed about 3.5 million visitors since it opened its doors and has hosted about 640 exhibitions across its two galleries - some of which have drawn critical acclaim and awards.
Hazelhurst's chairman Byron Hurst had just been elected to Sutherland Shire Council in 1990 when he was given the job of heading a committee to find a community use for the estate.
Ben and Hazel Broadhurst had left the land which housed their cottage to Sutherland Shire Council with the stipulation that it must only be used for community purpose.
After embarking on a community consultation process, 75 submissions were received, of which the overwhelming majority was for a visual arts centre.
The project hit a hurdle following a change in council leadership, before Mr Hurst launched a bipartisan steering committee. A tour of regional art galleries saw them agree on a multi-use complex, including art, food, education and parkland.
"We had the plans, but we didn't have the money," Mr Hurst recalled.
"Some of the councillors were opposed to spending dollars on an art gallery when they saw other needs in their wards.
"This was especially the case in the west of the shire, where new housing was outpacing amenities.
"An unexpected grant of federal money to celebrate the Centenary of Federation and a whole lot of lobbying changed the council's mind."
By then, well-known artists including Garry Shead, George Gittoes and Bob Marchant had joined the push.
Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Arts Centre, as it was then known, opened in 2000 with a smoking ceremony in the grounds.
It had taken a decade for it to come to fruition. By then, Mr Hurst had retired from the council but took up a spot on the board.
He said it was "pretty much a success from day one".
"Crucial to our success was our education department and its success in hosting the student showcases, ARTEXPRESS and Art Rules. These shows bring young people into Hazelhurst and are perennial crowd pleasers," he said.
Sutherland Shire mayor Steve Simpson paid tribute to Mr Hurst, former councillors Phil Blight and others for pushing to bring a regional arts centre to the shire.
"We are celebrating 20 years and it has been 20 years of absolute growth and imagination," he said.
"This is a huge milestone and I know our community will agree Hazelhurst is an extraordinary place that is much valued by all who visit.
"Year on year, Hazelhurst welcomes an array of world-class exhibitions and it's great to see the gallery continue to grow and attract visitors near and far."
While acknowledging there was some opposition at the time to the council building an arts centre, he said it was now an important part of the fabric of the community.
"It offers residents culture and art, and a diversity of interests. Hazelhurst has been able to bring the local arts community together."
