J Ward goes virtual with cash boost

Ararat’s historic jail for the criminally insane J Ward will go virtual as part of a $9,000 innovation of the famous historic site.

Victorian Government funding from the Let’s Stay Connected program will enable Council to collaborate with technology company Macutex to produce an interactive, self-guided virtual tour of the former J Ward Goal and Lunatic Asylum.   

Ararat Rural City Council welcomes the investment from the Victorian Government towards the J Ward Virtual Tours Project. 

Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the grant is a big win and would relieve some of the economic impact caused by the pandemic on the tourism industry.  

“In a move designed to revive the region’s dark tourism market, the new virtual visitor facility will enable visitors from around the globe to experience an interactive tour of J Ward from their lounge room,” Dr Harrison said.  

“Most of the initial spend will go towards creating new virtual tools that enhance the venue’s exposure and visitor experiences as we transition to a COVID-normal environment. 

“This grant will ensure the ongoing viability of this major tourism site for our region and allow organisers to purchase new technology, such as 360 imagery and 3D digital modelling, that is required to see the digital exhibition come to life.  

“A major tourism driver for the region, with over 15,000 annual visitors before the pandemic, J Ward also provides considerable community benefits to over 65 Friends of J Ward volunteers who manage the guided tours at the facility.  

“Being a Friend of J Ward has many benefits for the local community, it’s a good way of meeting new people and at the same time contribute to a major tourist establishment.”  

President of Friends of J Ward Society Peter Waterman said this year has been bittersweet for our volunteers. 

“Our volunteer tour group has been running tours at J Ward since 1993 and this is the longest we’ve had to close our doors to the public.  

“However, our hope is with the virtual visit, we’ll be able to offer a glimpse of the experience on offer at J Ward for those unable to visit in-person." 

“People will be able to investigate J Ward through an immersive walk-through experience using a series of 360-degree views. 

Dr Harrison continued, “Tourism attracts a high number of local and international visitors to our region.  

“While the Ararat Rural City has a population of nearly 12,000 people, the Grampians region – home to wineries, cafes, spectacular nature reserves – welcomed around 2.4 million visitors yearly, before COVID-19.  

“Of that, international visitors spent almost 400,000 nights of overnight travel in the Grampians – by going virtual, these visitors can look to reconnect with our region.  

“Like many other organisations in Victoria, we are looking forward to using the latest tools and technology to enhance our historic sites and make visits more accessible for all. 

“We’re focusing on the positives that came from the coronavirus shutdown such the opportunity to offer virtual viewings and boost our digital presence,” concluded Dr Harrison. 

Council confirmed the project is scheduled to start late December.