Western Plains Cultural Centre
Located on Wingewarra Street Dubbo the Western Plains Cultural Centre has an excellent collection of local historical displays and art. During our visit the local final year students had their artwork on display, which was great to see. The museum section displayed a large range of items, which provided a feeling for the rich history of the region.
2020 HSC Works From the Dubbo Region
Exhibited as “Meet the Mark”, this display featured artists from the Wellington and Dubbo senior students. Produced for their HSC, these works highlighted the young talent in the area.
Pride Power Ambush by Rashmi Perera 2020 St John’s College 
Tethered by Jailyn Webb 2020 St John’s College 
Still Life With Assimilation by Felicity Jeresano 2020 St John’s College
Dubbo History
The centre’s permanent exhibition is titled “People, Places, Possessions” because it focuses on the agricultural landscape and people of the area. The original inhabitants of the region, the Thubbagah people commence the story, followed by pastoral settlement.
A large section was devoted to agricultural history, including the introduction of the first portable steam engine. Face goggles from World War Two and a uniform from the 1885 Sudan war illustrated Dubbo’s link to the military.
A classroom from the time before digital electronics was great, because it brought back memories for us. How classrooms used to operate would amaze current students.
Artefacts of the Thubbagah People of the Dubbo Area Wool Wagon at Western Plains Cultural Centre 
Davey Paxman 16943 Portable Steam Engine from the Dubbo Sawmill Wilkins Kennedy and Spence Coach Builders Buggy Farm Tools Sudan Volunteer’s Uniform From the 1885 Conflict 
A Camera in the Western Plains Cultural Centre Old Classroom
What Did We Think
This was a fun place to visit, especially the local museum displays. These gave a greater understanding of the history of the area, going back to aboriginal times. The display of high school students’ works was a great added bonus but we enjoyed all of the art on display.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
That’s an interesting Museum to see..
Yes, it was interesting to walk around, like lots of these small country museums are.
“Portable steam engine”! LOL! How portable is it? It looks quite heavy.
Apparently it needed two draft horses to pull it around, so you’re right, not all that portable!