Henry Carmichael Theatre
Centrally located in the Sydney CBD just two minutes from Town Hall, the Henry Carmichael Theatre is perfect for your next event, lecture, seminar or AGM.
EXPLORE VENUETom Keneally Centre
Unique venue in Sydney CBD
The Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts is proud to be the home of the Tom Keneally Centre, which holds the research collection of world-renowned author Thomas Keneally, in addition to copies of his own works and some items from his private collection of photographs and memorabilia.
The Westfield Group, headed by Frank Lowy, generously funded the construction of the Tom Keneally Centre, while the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts has provided the space on Level 3, furnishings and staffing on an ongoing basis.
The Tom Keneally Centre’s look and feel reflects, as much as possible, the character of Tom’s original library.
It was officially opened on 18 August 2011 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir, AC, CVO, Governor of New South Wales in August 2011.
The Tom Keneally Centre is devoted to Australian literature and history, reflecting the synergy between the SMSA and Tom Keneally’s approach to writing and to life; open access to knowledge, continued learning and social change.
Hiring The Centre
The Tom Keneally Centre offers an intimate and book-lined setting perfect for literary events, meetings, workshops, and small gatherings.
With seating for up to 40 guests, this warm and welcoming space is a favourite for those seeking atmosphere with substance.
Host your event in a space with soul.
Meeting Room Capacity
Tom Keneally Centre | 40
Norman Selfe Room | 25-30 and can be used in conjunction with the Tom Keneally Centre
Catering
Use our catering service or bring in your own. Learn more about catering at SMSA here.
Accessibility
The Tom Keneally Centre is accessible to those with mobility issues, including wheelchair users.
About Tom Keneally
Thomas Keneally is one of Australia’s most distinguished literary voices with a career spanning over six decades and more than 50 books across fiction, non-fiction, and drama.
Internationally acclaimed for Schindler’s Ark, which won the 1982 Booker Prize and inspired Spielberg’s Schindler’s List—Keneally’s body of work reaches far beyond a single triumph. Novels such as The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Gossip from the Forest and Confederates have shaped Australia’s literary landscape while non-fiction works like The Great Shame and The Commonwealth of Thieves bring moral depth and narrative power to history.
His recent collaboration with daughter Meg Keneally on the Monsarrat series and his latest novel Fanatic Heart (2022), continue his lifelong mission: to illuminate the past through character, conflict and conscience.
Keneally lives in Sydney with his wife Judy and remains, proudly, the number one ticket-holder of the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
Meeting Rooms
SMSA has a range of meeting rooms available to hire for your next meeting, workshop or seminar.
EXPLORE VENUE
Boardroom
The SMSA Boardroom is an impressive, professional space for all your business meeting needs. It is available for business meetings such as Board Meetings, Staff Meetings and Mediation.
EXPLORE VENUE