Ngununggula, meaning 'belonging' in the traditional language of the Gundungurra First Nations people, is the first regional art gallery in the Southern Highlands. Find out more about the history of Ngununggula.

BUILD BY THE COMMUNITY FOR THE COMMUNITY

EARLY VISION

In 1994, community members founded the Supporters of a Southern Highlands Regional Gallery (SofaSHRG). In addition to advocating for the establishment of a permanent regional gallery, SofaSHRG managed an art collection and hosted multiple temporary exhibitions and educational programs in various locations throughout the region.

Numerous proposals were made over the years, and in late 2017, a prospective site was recognised for its potential to be adapted and repurposed. Retford Park, highly regarded for its historical and aesthetic associations and its connection to several prominent families, including the Horderns, the Rileys, the Myers, and the Fairfax family, had recently been bequeathed to the National Trust NSW by the late James Fairfax AC. The Dairy Building within Retford Park was to become the location of the first regional gallery for the Southern Highlands.

Funding for the construction was secured through a combination of sources, including the NSW State Government's Regional Cultural Fund and significant contributions from private donors. The Wingecarribee Shire Council also confirmed its commitment to partially financially support the operations. A partnership was established to lease the site with the National Trust (NSW), and a not-for-profit public company governed by an independent Board of Directors was formed. With the dedication and expertise of staff and committee members, planning commenced to construct the first Regional Gallery in the history of the Southern Highlands.

Ngununggula opened in October 2021 and was established in collaboration with the State Government, the National Trust (NSW), Wingecarribee Shire Council, and donors. Constructed by Richard Crookes Construction, Ngununggula boasts a heritage-sensitive, state-of-the-art gallery, an education space, and an entry pavilion designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer.

GALLERY SUPPORTERS

Private citizens contributed significantly to the construction of Ngununggula and are acknowledged as the gallery’s Foundation Donors. Among the first supporters were Rob and Jenny Ferguson, who made the single largest donation received to date.

Other distinguished Foundation Donors include Richard Crookes and Lynne Crookes OAM, Ian Darling AO and Min Darling, The James Fairfax Foundation, Paul Salteri AO and Sandra Salteri, Tim Fairfax AC, Geoffrey Hassell OAM and Virginia Milson, The Margaret Olley Art Trust, SofaSHRG, the Nelson Meers Foundation, Annabel Baxter, and David & Fee Hancock.

SofaSHRG members and many residents played a crucial role in establishing Ngununggula. Notable individuals include Ben Quilty, Jennifer Bott AO, Milena Stojanovska, Annabel Baxter, Larry Whipper, Joanne McCauley, Justin Miller AM, Kristie Phelan, Mark Pepping, Susan Brindle, and Tim Unsworth, member of the Working Committee. Special recognition goes to SofaSHRG members Sara Farmer and Rebecca Reid.

We acknowledge the following members of the Board of Directors and express our gratitude for their generosity, expertise, and time dedicated to Ngununggula.

Jennifer Bott AO | 2019 - 2020
Timothy Unsworth | 2019 - 2021
Rob Ferguson (Chair) | 2019 - 2021
Julie Gillick OAM (Chair) | 2021 - 2022
Michelle Belgiorno Nettis | 2021 - 2023
John Alexander | 2021 - 2023
Glenda Chalker | 2021 - 2023
Keith Wearne | 2021 - 2024
Nicole Smith | 2023 - 2024

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We tribute the following foundation donors with naming rights to the gallery and education spaces.

Gallery 1: Richard and Lynne Crookes Gallery
Gallery 2: Jenny and Rob Ferguson Gallery
Education Space: James Fairfax AC Education Space

All Foundation and Patron Program donors are prominently recognised on the gallery's Foundation Wall, which is displayed at the entrance to the education and gallery spaces.

For more information, visit the 'Support Us' page on the website.

Watch the breaking ground Ceremony

more information & useful links

James Fairfax AC
Retford Park
The National Trust (NSW)
Richard Crookes Constructions | Delivery of Ngununggula
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer | Design of Ngununggula

Image: Ashley Mackevicius