With the emergence of steam power and the expansion of the Industrial Revolution, the vision of the movement was that education could be shared among the working classes and lead to further inventions.

It was also held that working men would be convinced of the benefits of technology and lead them to less 'disorderly lives'.

Similar institutions grew across the British Empire at a rapid rate, with the first one in Sydney being physically delivered by ship on the Stirling Castle in 1831. On board were 50 mechanics - being stonemasons, carpenters and blacksmiths, along with their families - who took intensive instruction on the voyage.

The Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts was opened in 1833 with a purpose of "the diffusion of scientific and other useful knowledge as extensively as possible throughout the Colony".

The role of Schools of Arts in Australia grew to be more of social and meeting places. The government subsidies for buildings and maintenance along with local fundraising encouraged their growth.

Pioneer Marmaduke England and his friend, postmaster Alfred Martin, were instrumental in bringing about a venue in Nambucca Heads. They were trustees along with John Eichmann, William Whaites, Nicolai Christensen and James Simmonds.

While there were existing venues like the Temperance hall, the School of Arts would suit the growing demand for entertainments, dances and public meetings.

School of Arts buildings were also built at Bowraville and Macksville.

Due to an economic depression, there was six-year delay between the first meeting and the establishment of the school of arts and its opening in 1896. It was a wooden building with an elaborate facade and picket fencing and included a meeting room and a library.

The donated books totalled 106. This signalled the start of the public lending library system in Nambucca Heads.

The opening night was a huge celebration with an attendance of 150 despite wet weather. At the time this would have been more than half the population.

It was reported in the Macleay Argus as a "grand inauguration concert and ball". The program appears to have been based on the talents of local citizens who performed recitations, songs, impersonations and instrumental pieces.

President England gave the opening speech and once performances were over the floor was cleared for dancing, which continued until daylight.

The building was a popular venue for social and cultural events. Often the purpose was for fundraising with churches, the war effort and sporting clubs benefiting.

Extensions were added in the early 1900s.

The building's life sadly came to an end in 1937. Nambucca Heads then had no fire brigade and when the centre caught fire after a Saturday night picture show it was quickly reduced to ashes. The library of 1500 books and the theatre equipment was destroyed, with only partial insurance coverage.

Even in the face of economic depression, the locals rallied behind the re-building, chiefly with a loan of 500 pounds from two families. The new facade was art deco in style and the grand opening took place in March, 1940.

Improvements included a state of the art film projector with movie showings as popular events.

In subsequent years the eclectic shared use included a bank agency, hairdressers, schoolroom, weddings and funerals.

In the Bicentennial year of 1988, the council undertook refurbishments with the facade being retained. The interior was extended to include the Stringer Gallery and the Small Hall.

A re-enactment of the 1940 opening took place and the building was renamed The Nambucca Entertainment Centre. In 2015 it was once again renamed to reflect current use as The Nambucca Community and Arts Centre.

The Centre continues the tradition of early pioneers to give the community a venue to showcase and encourage local arts and entertainment.

This article used the records of the Nambucca Community and Arts Centre and the Nambucca Headland Museum.

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