Meet the partners: Sally Manning on building bridges between business and creativity
If you wander into the Station Creative Workspace on any given weekday, there’s a good chance you’ll find Sally Manning, Business Manager of the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber, chatting in the communal kitchen with an artist, fielding calls in her office, or popping into the gallery to see what’s just been installed. It’s an unexpected, vibrant blend of commerce and creativity – and for Sally, that’s exactly the point.
“The Wagga Business Chamber has been around since 1936, helping businesses thrive in this city,” Sally Manning says. “So, to have a street presence at The Station adds so much value to what we can offer. It’s central, it’s active, and it allows us to do business differently.”
Since moving into the space two years ago as a founding tenant and delivery partner, the Chamber has played a big role in supporting The Station’s evolution into a true hub for creativity. Sally sees it as more than just co-location; she sees potential for real impact.
“We’ve been here from the beginning – to give the project some stability, yes, but also because we believe in it. People might ask why a business chamber would be based in an arts hub, but honestly, artists are running businesses. There are so many transferable skills and so much we can learn from each other.”
Sally’s favourite part of The Station? The community.
“We’re very spoilt here,” she says. “I can walk into the kitchen and bump into an artist-in-residence, a writer, a designer, a journalist – people doing amazing, interesting things. It’s modern, diverse, and it breaks down barriers between industries that traditionally haven’t worked side-by-side.
“It’s also just a beautiful space, filled with character and history. So many people have stories about this old ambulance station. It’s lovely to see it reimagined and repurposed in a way that still serves the community. There’s something pretty special about walking out of your office and straight into an art exhibition. You feel lucky.”
Sally is quick to praise the team behind the scenes. “Eastern Riverina Arts has been phenomenal,” she says. “They’re passionate, genuinely here to help creatives, and they activate not just Wagga, but so many smaller towns in the region. We’re lucky to have such a strong, professional body in the Riverina.”
And while Sally doesn’t consider herself a creative, she’s found herself enriched by the experience of working so closely with artists. “Creatives are unapologetically who they are, and that’s inspiring. They express themselves in what they wear, what they say, what they make. It’s not only personally enriching; it pushes us in the business world to show up more honestly, too.”
Sally also sees real value in creatives accessing business knowledge, whether that’s setting pricing, creating a business plan, or developing marketing strategies. “We’re always happy to chat with people in the building and help however we can. That’s what makes this space work – it’s not just about renting rooms; it’s about real collaboration.
“As for The Station’s official launch, I encourage people to come along. Sometimes people hesitate at the door because they’re not sure what’s inside. But that’s part of the fun. There’s always something new, and it’s such a welcoming space. Come feel the vibe, meet the team, and celebrate what’s already been achieved. The story’s just getting started.”
And if you’re thinking about renting a space, Sally’s advice is simple: “Just reach out to the ERA team. They’re incredibly approachable, and they’ll help you figure out if it’s the right fit. It’s affordable, well-equipped, and full of possibilities.”
Join Sally and the whole Station Creative Workspace community for the official launch weekend, May 16–18: www.easternriverinaarts.org.au/events/station-launch
