General News
20 June, 2024
Station to be kitted out with creative space
Apart from being recognised for its rich gold rush heritage, historic architecture and spectacular landmarks, Maryborough could soon also add “creative hub” to its repertoire — with thousands of dollars backing that future. Further activating...
Apart from being recognised for its rich gold rush heritage, historic architecture and spectacular landmarks, Maryborough could soon also add “creative hub” to its repertoire — with thousands of dollars backing that future.
Further activating the town’s railway station through a new artistic space, the Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) recently received significant funding as part of the State Government’s Council Support Package program.
Residents and tourists alike will benefit from $100,000 for the facility located next to the main platform — with the space allowing artists to work and show their pieces, while being inspired by the heritage architecture of the Maryborough railway station.
According to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, the grant will boost tourism, local infrastructure, and the economy.
“This project is really exciting because we want to make sure that creatives and businesses can use the space in the station,” she said.
“It’s always fantastic to get money from Regional Development Victoria for initiatives like this and the new space will be even more of a draw card for Maryborough’s beautiful railway station.
“Projects like this one will further boost our region’s economy and support communities to thrive — our investment in rural and regional Victoria is making a real difference, with unemployment at a record low of 3.8 percent, and tourism booming.”
To kick things off, council will use part of the funding to employ a project officer, who will then manage the set-up of the space.
“The funding we’ve received is to create a sustainable activation model for the creative space,” CGSC general manager community wellbeing Emma Little said.
“We’ve already done some infrastructure upgrades to the space, and now it’s about how we can activate it and make sure the model we implement will work into the future.
“We will engage a project officer to help with that and they will run consultation sessions with the community and artists to work out ways we can connect this building to the art gallery — we want to really flesh out how we can use this money and what opportunities we can capitalise on.”
Possibilities of what could happen in this new creative space are endless, Ms Little said.
“We’re looking to have people operate within that space, and that model is open to interpretation and open to feedback,” she said.
“Whether there’s workshops, artists in residence, or performances, it’s about finding things that work for the community.
“So we’re going to focus now on asking locals what they want to see and after recruiting a project officer, those engagement sessions will come to life and we’ll be able to understand what people want, then we can start testing that out.”
The funding’s arrival also coincides with an important celebration, as the Maryborough railway station’s 150th anniversary is fast approaching.
“I think the momentum is really building towards showcasing the jewel in the crown for Maryborough,” Ms Little said.
“We are seeing those visitation numbers increase significantly with the visitor centre back in action, so we know that people are coming here, and that they’re interested in the station.
“If we can provide more opportunities for them to engage in the history, not only of the station, but the rest of the area then that’ll be amazing.”
For mayor Liesbeth Long, receiving this funding means the town can unlock its full potential.
“I am absolutely stoked that we’ve got this money — we can now really activate the space for our community and our local creatives,” she said.
“It’s going to be amazing because it’s such a beautiful area steeped in history and could absolutely make us a regional creative hub.
“We have so many local artists, the art gallery is really going from strength to strength and now we’ve got this up and running so I’m excited for the future.”