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Oberon Heritage & The Arts

Most early buildings in Oberon were built of pise, wattle and daub or slabs from local timber. Most have not survived. The convent on the corner of Queen and Fleming Streets was built in 1914 for the Sisters of St Joseph who had arrived in Oberon in 1912 to set up the first Roman Catholic school. It is still occupied by the Sisters.

One of Oberon's most significant buildings is Ramsgate, a two-storey Victorian private residence built in 1906 and currently operating as a guesthouse and tea rooms.

The Oberon Museum, once the railway station, has an excellent collection of items of local historical interest.

The Oberon Museum is open from 2 pm to 5 pm every Saturday and at any other time by appointment. Telephone 02 6336 1016.

The Oberon RSL Museum is located next to the Oberon RSL in Oberon Street, displaying war memorabilia and is open Wednesday's and Friday's from 12pm - 4pm, or by appointment.

Amongst Oberon's significant buildings are St Barnabus Anglican Church, built in 1869, and the Art Deco Malachi Gilmore Hall built in 1937 the front of which is now Cobweb Craft Shop. All three are in Oberon Street.

Cobweb Craft Shop, has on display, the 8 Bicentennial Tapestries, designed by artist Kim Rabbidge and hand stitched by over 70 local needle workers.

These works of art depict not only the landscape and primary industry but examples of historic buildings. These tapestries have since been copied in the form of a Terrazzo, which is proudly housed in the rotunda at the common, corner Ross Streets and Edith Road. The youth and schools of Oberon combined with volunteers and the Oberon Arts Council to complete a mosaic which was designed by Selena Seifert. The mosaic depicts the Diprotodon, an extinct plant eating marsupial with features similar to a giant wombat. The fossilised remains were found at Jenolan Caves and believed to be between 20,000 and 40,000 years old. The Diprotodon is believed to have been approximately 2 metres tall, 3 metres long and weighed over 3 tonne.

Oberon Council has a collection of woodcraft and paintings purchased at the annual exhibitions. Selections are on display at Reliance Credit Union. Paintings depicting Oberon's early streetscapes by artist Reg Campbell hang in the Oberon RSL Club.

Twenty Four hand painted and appliquéd banners for street display and some for local organisations were made by 40 needle workers. These are on show for special occasions, they were designed and assembled at two workshops held in Oberon under the guidance of textile artist, Tore de Mestre.

The Daffodil Festival, first held in 1984 has become an annual event taking place on the last weekend in September. Among the attractions at this time are the Annual Anglican Spring Flower Show, Art and Craft Exhibitions, a Market Day, open gardens and special attractions.

Australia Day Celebrations organised by the Oberon Council are held in a casual atmosphere at the Oberon RSL.  The days activities begin with a community breakfast hosted by the Christian Life Centre.  A morning tea precedes the official ceremony where our Ambassador, Members of Parliament and official guests present awards to our local recipients.  The day then takes on a more casual air with bowls, squash, a boxing demonstration, jumping castle and other games for the kids.

The Oberon Agricultural Show, is held in the last weekend of February. Visitors to the area will be delighted with the display of locally grown produce, farm animals, hand made arts and crafts.

In 2008 the Heritage Steam and Vintage Fair commenced and will be an annual event held in conjunction with the Show. Steam and engine enthusiasts, adults and children alike will thoroughly enjoy the parade down the main street and the working displays at the showground.

The usual full 2 day program includes livestock, ring events, produce, floral displays, cooking, harness racing, sideshows and novelty attractions. There is all the fun of the fair with plenty of food and beverages available.

Several Artists and Crafts people have studios in the district. Open on a regular basis or by appointment.

Oberon has a strong Needleworkers Group and a Spinners and Weavers Guild, both of which produce high quality work.

Ramsgate Guesthouse
& Tea Rooms

 

St Barnabus Anglican Church

 

Malachi Gilmore Hall