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Minister to declare centre open Innovation will take a lead role at the Esso BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre on 18 December, when the Hon John Brumby MP, Treasurer of Victoria and Minister for State & Regional Development, officially opens the venue By Wellington Shire Council - 11th December 2003 - Back to News The technical capacity of the centre will be showcased as the proceedings open with the audio-visual masterpiece Aerotechnica – beamed large-screen onto the theatre stage - taking full advantage of the excellent surround-sound and natural acoustics of the auditorium. The piece itself, crafted by renowned composer Steve (Stelios) Adam, combines the speed, grace and excitement of the RAAF Roulettes with the sheer power of sound in a truly synergistic performance.
The unveiling of a special plaque by Mr Brumby will provide an innovative culmination to the opening of the centre, which is fast being seen as the cultural focus of Wellington and the surrounding region.
Amongst those attending will be one of the centre’s main benefactors, local philanthropist John Leslie, who is honoured by having the main theatre named after him.
This day will mark the culmination of an extremely successful opening festival for the centre – which over the last four weeks has seen some 4,600 people attend performances in the theatre and in excess of 8,500 people pass through its doors to appreciate culturally diverse events including stand-up comedians, cabaret shows and theatre performances and great food and atmosphere.
Central to the festival and to the ethos of the centre is the strong involvement of the Wellington community itself, most notably through the provision of a number of the events.
Funding for the $5.9 million project has comprised: $2.485 million from Wellington Shire Council; $2.5 million from the Victorian Government, through Arts Victoria and the Community Support Fund; and, $915,000 generously provided by businesses and individuals – either through donations or in kind.
Construction work started on the centre in May 2002, with the facility designed to provide a much-needed focal point for entertainment, the performing arts and events in Wellington and the Gippsland region. It is equipped to host anything from theatre to live concerts, exhibitions, functions and conferences and boasts a 398-seat auditorium with a hearing loop system for the deaf that covers the whole seating area. The Centre aims to be accessible to all users and incorporates best practice, accessible features.
Other key features include: an extendable stage for performances; orchestra pit; open plan foyer with exhibition spaces; café; rehearsal room; and, an extendable meeting room equipped for functions, conferences and meetings, and offering views over the Port of Sale.
Said Wellington’s Mayor John Jago: "The opening of this entertainment centre marks the beginning of a golden age in the cultural life of Wellington Shire and Gippsland. It brings to reality a major dream of this community since 1970s to establish a significant regional theatre for the performing arts here in Wellington.
"Our ambition is for Wellington to become the cultural leader this side of Melbourne, attracting high profile performances, and community productions, that will bring people together from right across the Gippsland area, and attract many others from further afield.
"This multi-million-dollar project is a great example of what partnerships can achieve, with the invaluable funding and support in kind provided by local businesses and individuals, the Victorian Government, Esso BHP Billiton as principal sponsors, and of course everyone else who has helped to drive the initiative forward and assisted with fundraising efforts. Without all these elements this centre simply would not have been possible."
"Importantly the centre, with its prominent location, also acts as an impressive gateway to the multi-million-dollar Port of Sale redevelopment which is now under construction."
During his visit Minister Brumby will also visit Sale Memorial Hall and Stratford Mechanics Hall.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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