Residents encouraged to dream big and ‘have your say’ on new Dalby Cultural Centre

An exciting new cultural centre project is in the works for Dalby, and residents are being encouraged to get involved and have their say about their vision for a unique multi-purpose space for the enrichment of the community and visitors.

 Following the difficult decision to cancel the planned redevelopment of the former MyALL107 facility due to structural failings earlier this year, Western Downs Regional Council is inviting the community back to the drawing board with a meaningful community engagement strategy designed to understand what the community wants and values in an improved cultural hub in Dalby.

Council spokesperson for Strategic Communications and Council Facilities, Councillor Megan James, said a wide-reaching engagement approach would feature a new online ‘Have your Say’ platform where residents can share insight into what ‘culture’ means to them, and what features they would like to see incorporated into the project.

“We recently asked the community how they wanted Council to engage with them on major projects like this, and we’ve taken that feedback on board,” Cr James said.

“The online engagement platform will act as a place for community interaction, as well as being the trusted place to go for updates throughout the project.

Cr James said Council’s commitment to two-way communication on the cultural centre project extended beyond the online survey.

“We recognise that there are members of our community who prefer to communicate offline, so our engagement process will offer a variety of ways to have your say. Our project team will also be actively interacting with key community and stakeholder groups, including the former tenants of MyALL107, to help understand future plans, ideas and needs that might be relevant to the cultural centre planning.

“We know that ‘it’s the people that make it’, so it is important to Council that we deliver this project in partnership with the people who will be using and enjoying the new cultural centre – our community.

“This project is not about just replacing MyALL107, we have the opportunity now to create something even better that will meet the needs of our residents and visitors and add to our region’s liveability for years to come.

“We really want people to share ideas they have seen around the world, think about what opportunities we are missing, and what practical needs we have. It’s a project that can potentially make a huge impact to the future economic, community, tourism and cultural growth of the town and whole region. We’re very excited to begin this process and hear the ideas from our community members and local groups.”

 Council spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development, Councillor Kaye Maguire, said that Dalby was a growing and diverse town with rich cultural history and traditions, and a new cultural centre was important for supporting cultural pursuits and enjoyment for our residents.

“We have a proud cultural heritage in the Western Downs, so having dedicated spaces for us to come together as a community and enjoy these activities is very important. The cultural precinct project is very exciting because it will reinvigorate our cultural community, attract visitors and bring people to together to enjoy excitement and entertainment,” Cr Maguire said.

The first phase of this engagement process seeking residents’ input is open now. After this first stage of information gathering and community engagement, Council will begin developing concepts and plans, which will be brought back to the community for further input in a later stage of the process.

To have your say, or for more information visit haveyoursay.wdrc.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624).

Residents can request a paper copy of the Phase 1 Engagement Survey or a printed fact sheet by phoning Council or visiting our Customer Service Centre at 30 Marble Street Dalby, or Dalby Library in the Findex Building Level 1, 69 Drayton Street Dalby.

— Ends —

Media Contact:

Western Downs Regional Council Media Office                                                07 4679 4265