PROPOSAL TO NAME THE THEATRE WITHIN THE SIR HENRY PARKES MEMORIAL SCHOOL OF ARTS
Council is seeking community feedback on a proposal to name the theatre within the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts the Peter Allen Theatre.
Currently known simply as the ‘theatre at the School of Arts’ or the ‘School of Arts Theatre’, this proposal seeks to give the performance space its own identity while retaining the School of Arts’ overarching name and heritage significance.
The proposal recognises the enduring connection between Tenterfield and one of Australia’s internationally celebrated performers and songwriters, Peter Allen, who was born in Tenterfield and whose family history is deeply connected to the town.
Read the proposal here, written by Kevin Markwell, President, School of Arts Tenterfield Inc. (SOATI).
The Peter Allen Family Trust has welcomed and supported the proposal from SOATI, which is also supported by the National Trust of Australia.
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HAVE YOUR SAY
Council is seeking community views on the proposal to name the theatre the Peter Allen Theatre.
We welcome submissions from residents, community organisations, businesses, visitors and other interested members of the community.
Written submissions can be made during the consultation period:
Thursday, 27 August 2026 to Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Submissions can be made by email to council@tenterfield.nsw.gov.au or in writing to:
A/General Manager
Tenterfield Shire Council
PO Box 214
TENTERFIELD NSW 2372
Please include your name and contact details with your submission.
Council will consider submissions received at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
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Why Peter Allen?
Peter Allen was born in Tenterfield in 1944 and spent part of his childhood in the town. His family has a longstanding connection to Tenterfield, including through his grandfather, George Woolnough, whose saddlery business inspired Allen’s iconic song, Tenterfield Saddler.
The song went on to bring Tenterfield to audiences around the world and remains one of the most recognisable musical reflections of Australia and a much-loved part of Tenterfield’s story.
Peter Allen enjoyed an extraordinary international career as a singer, songwriter and performer, performing around the world, including Broadway. His remarkable career began in regional Australia and took him to some of the world’s biggest stages.
Naming the theatre in his honour would recognise a Tenterfield-born performer whose life and career are closely connected to the performing arts, while celebrating an important part of Tenterfield’s cultural heritage.
It would also provide an opportunity to inspire future generations of local performers and artists, reminding us that extraordinary creative journeys can begin in small regional towns like Tenterfield.
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The proposal has received support from the Peter Allen Family Trust and the National Trust of Australia.
Read the proposal here, written by Kevin Markwell, President, School of Arts Tenterfield Inc.