Arts supporters welcome project

The $13 million redevelopment of Warragul’s West Gippsland Arts Centre was welcomed by project supporters when they presented to Baw Baw Shire.

Council has signed a $10.9 million tender contract with Building Engineering Pty Ltd for the works.

The redevelopment will increase the arts centre’s seating capacity from 510 to 760 patrons.

Auditorium and theatre upgrades as well as additional back of house facilities, expanded foyer and café are also part of the plans.

Councillors voted five to three in support of the tender when it was presented to council. Cr Tricia Jones declared a conflict of interest.

Nine community members addressed council on the arts centre redevelopment with eight of the speakers calling on council to award the tender and support the project.

One submitter said council should reject the tender, saying he was not opposed to the redevelopment but did not support the proposed design.

Bruce McDonald said he was in favour of the expanding the art centre’s seating capacity and associated works but he opposed a number of components in the project including demolition of the former engineer’s building (old library).

He urged councillors to reject the tender until proper consultation was undertaken. “Before committing to the current proposed upgrade, wouldn’t it be better to openly involve all of the shire’s ratepayers and residents with genuine consultation of a range of design options.”

But there was overwhelming support from representatives of the arts community.

Friends of the Arts Centre chair John Parker said the original decision by council to build the WGAC more than 30 years ago wasn’t without anguish.

He said it was time to ensure the arts centre could provide improved access, increased capacity and modern technology.

“It is a hub for the community. We have an obligation to provide our children and grandchildren what we’ve had for 30 years,” he said.

Jeannie Haughton said she was a “theatre tragic” and had been involved in local theatre since the 1970s.

She said arts was fundamental for mental health and wellbeing.

“I believe part of the concern is about responsible fiscal management but it goes beyond merely balancing the books. We are responsible for investing into the future,” she said.

Sarah McKay-Wiggers said her dance career began on the arts centre stage.

“The arts centre inspires creativity,” she said.

Ms McKay-Wiggers said community members always found something to complain about. “Don’t we want to provide something that they won’t complain about. This is something you can do that will make them feel good,” she said.

Cameron Gray told council it was time the arts received a fair share.

Mr Gray said he was a proud member of Baw Baw’s diverse community but being a “rainbow family in this conservative area” meant his family had to be aware of their behaviour.

“At the arts centre my family is made to feel welcome. The arts community for some time has been a haven for the LGBTI community,” he said.

Sue Acheson complimented the decision of the former Warragul Shire to build the arts centre in 1982.

“Its benefits have been proven. That one building offered me the opportunity of culture…myriads of artists, musicians and writers.

“We are the number one sought after centre for touring shows. With an upgrade we can attract bigger shows and bigger audiences,” she said.

Mary Hughes said she wanted to be a voice for the regions and small towns around Warragul that use the arts centre.

“The fact that people from outlying areas come to the arts centre shows it’s part of our community cohesion,” she said.