West Gippsland Arts Centre celebrates getting back to ‘live’

Published on 19 November 2020

Baw Baw Shire Council has responded to the State Government’s easing of restrictions by planning a small number of live events to re-open West Gippsland Arts Centre to the community.

West Gippsland Arts Centre will be ‘getting back to live’ beginning on Saturday 28 November with an outdoor concert presented from the ‘Big Red Door’ that fronts their loading dock, off Smith Street.

The concert will begin at 7.00pm and will feature three of the musicians who performed in the ‘Ghost-light’ online series, including Bern Carrol, Wilson Blackley and Meg Doherty.

On Sunday 29 November, the focus will turn to the main forecourt area where popular local DJ and identity, DJ Nige will set up his Kombi and entertain a relaxed crowd with some family- friendly favourites, starting from 6.00pm. This outdoor event is free of charge, but bookings are essential to keep to the strictly limited numbers and to enable contact tracing of attendees. The evening will conclude with lighting up the WGAC Christmas decorations

While the venue has been closed for the last seven and a half months, entertainment and experiences of theatre, music and comedy have been provided through digital and social media platforms. Performances from international theatres such as the Globe in London and Broadway in the US, as well as streamed performances from Melbourne, have all provided great experiences and engagement has been high, with thousands of views registered.

WGAC also produced a series of six streamed performances featuring Gippsland musicians performing on the Warragul stage in an empty theatre. Dubbed the ‘Ghost-light’ concerts, the artists have enjoyed reaching larger and broader audiences.

Both events will be run with COVID Safe practices in place, including physical distancing measures, hand sanitiser and face masks.

People are welcome to bring a picnic along to either event, with food and beverages on sale from the bar, courtesy of the team from Albert and Smith Restaurant.

Bookings are essential and can be made online at www.wgac.com.au or by calling 5624 2456.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

“After a challenging year for our community, these events will offer an opportunity for people to sit back, relax and socialise safely with some fantastic entertainment. We’re looking forward to offering more outdoor performances and events over the coming months for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Quotes attributable to Manager Arts, Culture and Events Rob Robson

“We’re looking forward to entertaining our community at West Gippsland Arts Centre once again and make use of these unique outdoor spaces. If you’d like to join us on either or both nights, I’d encourage you to book as soon as you can as places are limited.”

Pictured above: Local artist Wilson Blackley will perform at West Gippsland Arts Centre's 'Getting Back to Live' event on Saturday 28 November. Image credit: William Kulich. 

Pictured above: DJ Nige and his bright blue Kombi Van 'Deirdre' will set up on the forecourt to entertain a relaxed crowd with some family-friendly favourites on Sunday 29 November. Image credit: Nigel Beck