built by the community for the community
Since opening in October 2021, we have welcomed over 150,000 visitors, including 6,000+ local students. Annually, we host over 400 public programs and community events. Our exhibition program has featured over 860 artworks and 230+ new commissions by over 575 artists.
BEGINNINGS
Ngununggula was established in collaboration with the State Government, the National Trust (NSW), Wingecarribee Shire Council, and donors. Constructed by Richard Crookes Constructions, Ngununggula boasts a heritage-sensitive, state-of-the-art gallery, an education space, and an entry pavilion designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer.
Ngununggula is a registered not-for-profit organisation proudly funded by the Council, state government grants, and donations from private citizens. The gallery is situated on the historic grounds of Retford Park, a property owned by the National Trust (NSW), an important community-based non-government organisation.
Retford Park was donated to the Trust in 2016 by the late James Fairfax AC, a well-known champion of the arts and generous philanthropist who believed that Retford Park should be preserved for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations. To learn more about the history of Retford Park, please visit the James Fairfax Foundation.
The critical support of our partners, Wingecarribee Shire Council, the National Trust (NSW), State Government through Create NSW and the generosity of our donors enables us to continue our work and maintain our status as a free and accessible regional gallery for the Southern Highlands community.
What does Ngununggula mean?
Ngununggula, meaning 'belonging' in the traditional language of the Gundungurra people, is the first regional art gallery in the Southern Highlands.
The name was given to the gallery by the late Aunty Velma Mulcahy OAM. It is an honour to have this name, and we respectfully acknowledge her family and extend our respect to all First Nations people.
What we do today
Ngununggula is a place for creativity, learning and the discovery of the arts for all generations. Artistic excellence underpins everything we do. We place artists at the centre to offer engaging arts and cultural experiences to a broad audience.
Our award-winning exhibitions showcase contemporary and traditional art forms, reflecting the diverse artistic practices of local, national, and international artists.
School education programs are designed to cultivate the next generation's creativity and curiosity through tailored art-making activities, guided tours of exhibitions, and direct access to artists and their ideas.
Public programs, such as children’s workshops, artist-led masterclasses, exhibition tours, and artist talks, offer an introduction to and greater insight into artistic practices.
Community events, big and small, feature live music, outdoor art installations, and a taste of some of the region's best local producers and makers. We also facilitate outreach programs designed to be inclusive and supportive spaces where people can make new connections and expand their artistic horizons.
our people
NGUNUNGGULA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jamie Burreket | Chair
Jennifer Byrne | Deputy Chair
Richard Crookes
Lisa Fowler | Chair Finance, Risk & Audit Committee
Lisa Miscamble
Ben Quilty
Annabel White | Chair Foundation & Engagement Committee
NGUNUNGGULA STAFF
Megan Monte | Director
Milena Stojanovska | Assistant Director
Amelia Jones | Development & Events Manager
Katya Batho | Creative Learning Manager
Jack Crowley | Assistant Curator
Sally Byrne | Gallery Assistant
Rachel Gregg | Gallery Assistant
Meredith Robinson | Gallery Assistant
Maeve Sullivan | Gallery Assistant
Lily Cummins | Education Assistant
Bruce Woods | Education Assistant
FUNDING FOR THE GALLERY
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Annual Reports
Ngununggula is a registered not-for-profit charity governed by an independent board that prepares and lodges annual audited accounts and returns with the ACNC.
View ACNC Annual Information Statements