Early History of Wallarobba

The building now known as Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre was built as a family home in 1903 by Mrs Elizabeth Kirby. She had purchased the land – 5 ¼ acres of a subdivision in 1902. Mrs Kirby called her home ‘Wallarobba’, an indigenous word which translates to ‘damp gully’.

A year after building the home, Mrs Kirby, a widow, sold it to her son William Henry Kirby. In 1911 he sold the property to James Stephen Inch, Managing Director of the Co-operative Assurance Company, and his wife Jessie Emily nee Prosser. The Inch family had eight children and the home and gardens were regularly used for charitable functions. Every year to celebrate Empire Day, a large bonfire was built in the paddocks behind the house, and all the local children were invited.

The property was subdivided in 1914 and 12 building blocks went to auction. In 1925 Wallarobba was sold to Alfred Parker who renamed it Willow Park. He was a Councillor of Hornsby Shire between 1926 - 1930 and was Lord Mayor of Sydney from 1934 until his death in 1935. Alfred Parker was knighted before his death, and Lady Parker remained in the house until 1937.

Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre was opened in 2011 and is now used for art exhibitions and cultural activities.