What’s on in May & June at the Old Courthouse Complex

Written By Sharon Custers

You’re invited to visit the Old Courthouse Complex to uncover captivating true stories, admire local art and join creative workshops.

HERITAGE EXHIBITIONS

  • Forgotten Voyages - Rediscovering the S.S. Georgette - Learn about the disastrous final voyage of the S.S. Georgette as you immerse yourself in stories from survivors and other sources about heartbreak and heroism of this infamous shipwreck.

  • Stories from the Gaol Cells (audio-visual interpretation) - Wander through the Old Busselton Gaol to read, watch and listen to fascinating true stories about prisoners and law enforcement officials from the dark old gaol's operational years.

EVENTS

  • Spin-in Fibre Festival to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Busselton Spinners & Weavers Group. Up to 100 spinners and weavers will converge on the Old Courthouse Complex for the Spin-in fibre festival on Saturday, 24 May to demonstrate spinning in action. Spectators are invited to witness the rhythm of spinning wheels as beautiful handmade textiles are crafted before them. 10am - 2pm.

ART EXHIBITIONS

  • Lines of Connection - Art by acclaimed Japanese printmaker, Hiroshi Tomihari, is on display in the Day Room Gallery until July. These modern woodblock prints were gifted to the City of Busselton as a symbol of our cross-cultural connection with Sugito. Tomihari is renowned for his innovative approach to the traditional Japanese print, blending subtle colour gradations with simplified forms to create serene, abstracted landscapes and still lifes. His work is characterised by its quiet strength, meditative quality, and refined craftsmanship.

  • The Edited Landscape - This exhibition of plein air paintings by Jeremy Williams will be on display in the Day Room from 5 - 30 June.

  • Golden Fleece - Busselton Spinners and Weavers proudly present Golden Fleece, a vibrant fibre festival and exhibition celebrating their 50th anniversary. The Golden Fleece exhibition showcases an eclectic array of hand-crafted pieces - many of which have been crafted using hand-spun yarns - demonstrating a stunning variety of textile techniques including knitting, crochet, tapestry weaving, loom weaving, and needle felting. On display in the Bond Store Gallery from 22 May - 3 June.

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

  • Mindful Monday - Mandalas with Sharon Williams - 12 May & 9 June

  • Painting with Gerald Ashcroft - Landscape Workshop (Thursday classes): 7-week course - 22 May - 23 July.

  • Painting with Gerald Ashcroft - Landscape Workshop (Friday classes): 7-week course - 23 May - 4 July.

  • Saltwater Conversations - A collaborative weaving artwork - Friday, 20 June.

  • WAAPA Design Workshop - Join WAAPA for a free immersive one-day Theatre Design Workshop, where creativity meets practical design in a collaborative and hands-on environment. This workshop is ideal for anyone passionate about theatre design - whether you’re a beginner eager to explore or an experienced designer looking to refine your skills. Saturday, 21 June - 9.30am - 4pm

RETAIL

OUTDOOR FUN

  • Explore the Merenj Boodja Bush Garden to learn about the plants of the Wadandi six seasons.

  • Enjoy a picnic in the Courtyard.

~

Old Courthouse Complex - Busselton’s award-winning heritage-listed hub of art, culture and history!
4 Queen Street, Busselton

OPEN DAILY ~ FREE ENTRY

Monday - Friday: 10am - 4pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 1pm

Closed on the WA Day public holiday - 2 June.

Sharon Custers
Previous

Saltwater Conversations ~ A Creative Gathering
Next

City of Busselton Celebrates Heritage Accolade