Victorian side of Light/State Project set for first illumination

May 10, 2022

Lake Cullulleraine is ready to shine with the Trail of Lights project set to be switched on following $3 million in Victorian Government funding.

The Victorian aspect of the Light/State project, which includes two bespoke light art installations to be completed in Mildura and Wentworth by artist Bruce Munro, has been given the approval funding commitments in the latest Victorian Government budget.

The exhibition, developed in conjunction with Mildura Regional Development (MRD) and Pico Play, is one of nine regional Victorian tourism projects sharing in $30 million worth of funding.

The epic light art display, aiming to be launched in Spring of 2023, is projected to help grow the Mildura region’s visitor economy by tens of millions of dollars annually, with significant flow-on benefits to local employment, development, accommodation, and hospitality and retail sectors.

Advising that the budget funding is a huge result for the region, MRD Chief Executive, Brett Millington stated “to have $3 million allocated to the Trail of Lights project is a huge win for Mildura and surrounding areas, particularly around Lake Cullulleraine.

“Bruce is over the moon with the response to his visit recently and this support, and we can’t wait for him to make a start on developing what will be a fantastic tourist attraction. We envisage this visual showpiece of art will be on display for at least five years.

“We hope this spectacular artwork that will be completely inspired by the local landscape, will further showcase our beautiful region to visitors.

“It’s fantastic to have the Victorian aspect of the LightState project funded, and we hope this can continue for the NSW aspect as well, to show that light truly does know no borders.”

Munro, who is famed for his innovative installations that incorporate emotive themes matched with natural landscapes, has produced more than 45 exhibitions globally, including in Australia, UK, the USA, Denmark, Mexico, and South Korea.

The highly successful Field of Light in Uluru, Northern Territory, has welcomed visitors for more than five years and received widespread international acclaim. Powered by solar, the installation captivates visitors, inviting them to engage with the landscape and environment through an ethereal light-based and sculptural experience.

Drawing on the success and appeal of similar works of scale by Mr Munro, new overnight visitation to the region is predicted to attract more than 300,000 visitors over the installation’s first two-years.

The project will also significantly lift Mildura’s profile as a region to live, work and invest.

Work will continue on securing the funding to develop the NSW aspect of the project.

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12th April 2022 - Victoria announced as first multi-site host for Commonwealth Games

31st March 2022 - Victorian Government strengthens anti-scalping laws to make ‘bundling’ an offence

21st March 2022 - Pico Play seeks new staff for Malaysian operations

2nd March 2022 - Pico Play’s Malaysian fabrication facility in demand from clients across the globe

30th January 2022 - Mildura will be ready to host sport events if Victoria secures 2026 Commonwealth Games

21st January 2022 - Victorian event industry survey shows three quarters of events planned for January and February either cancelled or postponed

26th October 2021 - Mildura seeks support to deliver large-scale immersive light installations

3rd September 2021 - Cancellations caused by ongoing lockdowns sees income of Victorian event businesses fall by 80%

24th August 2021 - Professional event organisers sought for Mildura’s 2021 New Year’s Eve celebration

21st May 2021 - Save Victorian Events founder slams Victorian Government’s lack of support for business event sector

8th March 2021 - Australian Regional Events Alliance looks to support events industry

17th February 2021 - VTIC fear loss of jobs in Victoria tourism and events without further support

13th May 2020 - VTIC highlights need for coordinated response to COVID-19 recovery

27th April 2020 - VTIC welcomes new emergency funding for tourism industry

23rd October 2020 - Victorian tourism industry unites in aim to drive reopening of visitor economy

3rd November 2017 - Pico forms new Imaginators company to create engaging experiences

2nd December 2013 - A whole new light on sports field illumination

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