Community Celebrates as WGAC Officially Reopens

Published on 20 November 2018

The West Gippsland Arts Centre was once again a hive of activity and entertainment on Saturday 17 November when the facility officially reopened with an exciting community celebration.

Hundreds of community members came out on a perfect spring day to join in the reopening festivities appropriately themed “Welcome Home”.

Held alongside the Warragul Farmers Market and Arts Market, the festival was alive with roving performers, interactive theatre displays, song and dance performances and guided facility tours for those keen to see the redevelopment in detail.

Gunaikurnai Elder Mr Nicky Moffatt performed a smoking ceremony before the official proceedings commenced. Federal Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent MP attended and spoke on behalf of the Federal Government’s $4 million funding contribution.

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Mikaela Power spoke on behalf of Baw Baw Shire Council before unveiling the commemorative plaque. Councillors and Mr Broadbent gathered for a ceremonial ribbon cutting to officially declare the redeveloped facility reopen.

The celebrations were capped off by a free evening performance by the Gippsland Symphony Orchestra in the refurbished auditorium.

The $14.1 million redevelopment is the largest capital works project ever undertaken by Baw Baw Shire Council.

Among a huge scope of works for this project, the biggest change has been the construction of a new balcony increasing seating capacity from 490 to 750 – finally accommodating the audience number first envisaged for this facility when it was originally built over three decades ago.

Find out what’s on at the West Gippsland Arts Centre at www.wgac.com.au

“West Gippsland Arts Centre is more than a performance venue. It’s a collective gathering space. It brings together our community, from from infants to seniors and all ages in between. This amazing transformation will serve our growing community for generations to come.”

“The facility’s expanded capacity means a new calibre of performance can tour our region – and that’s fantastic for our community, local businesses and the broader economy. Hosting larger shows, international events and conferences will grant access to bigger and more dynamic events closer to home for locals, while also expanding trading opportunities for our hotels, retail industry and associated businesses.”

“We are so thrilled to welcome the Baw Baw Shire community home to the newly redeveloped West Gippsland Arts Centre. It’s been worth the wait! On behalf of Council, I thank the State and Federal Governments for each contributing $4 million towards this project – without this funding support we would not have achieved this fantastic result.”

“The revitalised Arts Centre will shine a spotlight on West Gippsland and the arts in regional Victoria.”

“By increasing capacity up to 750 seats, more people will be able to enjoy even bigger and a wider range of productions at the Arts Centre.”

“Bigger and better performances will increase demand for venue hire and draw in audiences from near and far – this will have a great flow on effect to our local economy and small businesses.”

“Congratulations again to all the locals and community groups who have been dedicated and committed to seeing the improved Arts Centre become a reality.”

“The collective experience of creating and experiencing art in all its forms, strengthens communities. It tells our story and brings to the fore the underlying strengths that connects us.”

“This re-imagined Arts Centre will be a creative hub for the region. As a Government, we were proud to invest $4 million to this project.”

“I congratulate all involved in arts centre's conception and growth over the last 30 years. I am confident it will continue to be a leading arts centre for the next 30 years.”