A Letter from Sarah & Henry
Hi everyone,
After three years of dedicating our hearts, time and money into our dream, we are taking a moment to pause and consider the Guild and its future.
The Council recommended our Development Application (DA) be refused by the Local Planning Panel, which THEN unanimously approved the woodworking component. But without the sum of its parts, the crafting of the food and beer, it is not The Guild. We are exhausted by our experience working through the formal DA for the last 450 days to only get a partial approval.
We've been trying to build something we thought our community needed - a place where you could grab a good beer, watch it being made, maybe you and the kids could learn some woodworking or marvel at the timber gallery, and just hang out with your neighbours in a welcoming and expansive space. Not complicated stuff, but it has been so much harder to get going than we ever anticipated.
We've spent three years collaborating with businesses and artists, community groups and council officials, jumping through endless bureaucratic hoops, minimising our vision and adhering to archaic and restrictive frameworks, only to be told no, after three years of hope. We are heartbroken for our community, partners and the builder we had entrusted with this special project, confident it was finally about to get the green light.
We are really disappointed, because we are passionate about giving something special to Robertson and the broader region. It Isn't commercially driven, it is intended to be a space for community, craft, celebrating makers and the art of making itself. We wanted to give locals a place sans screens, to help us tap into everything that makes us happy humans - human connection and creativity.
At this point, we have to make some tough decisions about what comes next for both The Guild and The Bank. The partial approval of The Guild (which is a rejection of much of what we are aspiring to deliver at the heart of the development) has forced us to reconsider everything, including whether we can continue pursuing this vision in Robertson (and Wingecarribee). Our experience has taken a lot from us and we aren't sure we have the heart to continue more painstaking hoops, hurdles and rejection.
If you think our community could use a place like this, we'd love to hear from you. Your support means so much, and maybe hearing from you all could help us understand whether the rejection by Wingecarribee is a true reflection of what the community wants for The Guild.
We'll keep you posted on what we decide to do, please register your details in the survey field for updates.
Thanks for believing in this idea with us.
Sarah and Henry
Stay Connected
Join our community to receive updates on The Guild's progress and opportunities to support this vision for Robertson's future.
More Information
Planning Panel Meeting: Watch the 25th June 2025 meeting
Planning Panel Decision: Read the official minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Guild?
+The Guild is a place where people come together to create, connect, and belong. It's a physical community hub that blends a craft workshop, café, educational space, marketplace, and event venue—all designed to support creativity, mental wellbeing, and social connection. At its heart, The Guild celebrates craftsmanship, community, and culture, offering programs, hands-on learning, and shared spaces for all ages.
Why Robertson?
+Robertson is a town with deep roots in agriculture, heritage, and community spirit—making it the perfect home for The Guild. The town's existing creative energy, natural beauty, and regional accessibility position it as an ideal location for a project that values slow living, local connection, and craftsmanship. The Guild builds on what makes Robertson special, while also activating new economic and social opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Where is the proposed site for The Guild?
+The proposed site is located within a key heritage precinct in the centre of Robertson. Specifically, it incorporates two adjacent sites, including a former bank building and a neighbouring lot with ample space for public engagement, indoor/outdoor workshops, and community gathering. This location allows for high visibility, walkability, and integration into the existing town fabric.
Were tenants interested in the various aspects of The Guild?
+Yes—significant interest has been received from makers, educators, hospitality providers, and artisans who were drawn to the vision of The Guild. Prospective tenants expressed enthusiasm for both short-term activations and long-term residencies, seeing value in being part of a vibrant, values-led creative precinct.
If an approval was received, how soon could construction start?
+With appropriate planning approvals, The Guild could commence early works as soon as possible. We had already engaged a builder in the hope of a comprehensive planning approval earlier in the year. Much of the design and operational planning has already been completed, and The Guild has a flexible, modular build approach—allowing for phased delivery and early-stage activation even before full construction is finalised.
Would The Guild be family friendly?
+Absolutely. The Guild is designed to be intergenerational and inclusive, with offerings for children, parents, teens, and older adults. From school holiday workshops to pram-accessible gathering spaces and community events, it will be a safe, welcoming environment where families can relax, learn, and spend time together.
What is 'The Bank' and what is happening with that site?
+'The Bank' refers to the heritage-listed former bank building, a key anchor in the proposed Guild precinct, but a separate Development Application. Our plans were developed to breathe new life into the building — restoring its historic significance while creating new spaces that complement the 71-77 Hoddle Street site.
Why are plans on hold / options being considered?
+The Guild remains our dream, but current constraints, unclear approval pathways, and fatigue following years of pursuit are the reason for our pause. The team is exploring all options to ensure that the final implementation is viable, community-driven, and respectful of the place we are lucky to call our home. By taking this pause, we're working to ensure that The Guild—wherever it lands—has the strongest possible foundation for success.
