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Central Goldfields Shire Council, located at the geographical centre of Victoria, has advised the transformation of the Central Goldfields Art Gallery is well underway with the project anticipated to be completed later this year.

Identified as a priority project in the Central Goldfields Shire Tourism and Events Strategy 2020-2025, and as one of Council’s Priority Projects, the transformation of one of the Shire’s most significant tourism assets will deliver new opportunities to present a greater variety of art and exhibitions for the community and wider region.

The project is being delivered by Colbrico Pty Ltd (trading as Searle Bros) who were awarded the contract following a public tender process.

The redevelopment will see the Gallery – located in the 1861 historic fire station – refurbished and extended, including opening the original fire doors at the front of the Gallery, increasing Gallery exhibition spaces and the installation of improved environmental and climate controls.

Also included will be remodelling to internal Gallery spaces, improved storage facilities for the Shire’s art collection, creation of an open contemporary reception and improved accessibility and visitor services amenities. External landscaping including the installation of an Indigenous Interpretive Garden will round out the project.

Since the commencement of the project earlier this year, the project has attracted two new funding announcements which has extended the scope of the project:

• $355,215 in funding as part of the Victorian Government’s Regional Collections Access Program was announced in June 2022
• $225,000 for Stage 2&3 of the Indigenous Interpretive Garden through the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Projects, part of the State Budget 2022-23 announced in May 2022.

Central Goldfields Shire Maryborough Ward Cr Geoff Lovett enthused “we are excited at the increased exhibition space and associated increase to the variety of exhibitions we will be able to present and the way in which visitors will be encouraged and welcomed to visit their very own local art gallery.

“What’s been particularly exciting is the announcement of two additional funding sources from the Victorian Government over recent months which has meant we’ve been able to expand the scope of the project.

“The Regional Collections Access Program funding will mean we are able to replace the roof, fit out of the collection store and deliver internal wall upgrades- all facets of the project that focus on safeguarding the collection. These important items were not able to be funded in the budget for Stages 1 to 3.

“Additionally, the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Project investment will mean we can deliver the Stage 2 and 3 of the Indigenous Interpretive Garden.

“The Garden will acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners, celebrate the living culture of the Dja Dja Wurrung People, as well as share significant cultural heritage and demonstrate the continuation of all relationships within Country.

“The Garden is an exciting aspect of this Gallery redevelopment and it’s important to incorporate and recognise the Dja Dja Wurrung culture. This Garden will become a new and beautiful outdoor component of the visitor experience to the Gallery.”

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