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Soundshell opening a huge success despite weatherThe opening event for the Loy Yang Power Latrobe Community Soundshell on Sunday has been hailed a huge success, despite cold and inclement weather affecting attendances. By Latrobe City Council - 16th October 2006 - Back to News Those who braved the conditions were treated to an enjoyable array of top class local entertainment featuring Nik Bagshaw, Tim Woods, The Yallourn Madrigal Singers, The Latrobe City Youth Band, The City of Traralgon Band, The Latrobe City Combined Churches Choir, The Stockdale Road Primary School Band, The Luke Draper Band, and the Traralgon Lions Club Children’s Carols Choir.
Crowd-pleasing favourites were also in attendance, with Dorothy the Dinosaur and Ronald McDonald entertaining the children, who were also treated to activities such as face painting, and the jumping castle courtesy of Awakening.
Latrobe City mayor, Cr Lisa Price, said the historic occasion was one that will be remembered as a significant milestone achieved through community effort.
"For many years to come, the soundshell will be the venue for numerous events that in the past we have not had the capacity to host. Already our staff at Latrobe City are working hard to attract some additional events of significance that will benefit the region.
"Of equal importance, this new facility will provide an opportunity for our local community to reach new audiences and hone their skills with additional activities and productions. This is very much a facility that will generate and expand the interest in the arts in our community," Cr Price said.
"My thanks and the community’s heartfelt thanks to all those who put on Sunday’s stunning performances for the crowd," Cr Price added.
Latrobe City’s chief executive officer, Paul Buckley, said the positive outcomes achieved through this community driven project, far outweighed some dissatisfaction aired in the lead up to the soundshell opening.
"The soundshell is an outstanding example of a local community coming together to celebrate a great occasion. The entire soundshell project is a demonstration of what can be achieved when local government and state government works with local communities to provide a valuable local facility. It was extremely disappointing to have the great work undertaken by so many people over months and years, criticised without foundation in the lead up to the facility’s grand opening day.
"Some of the comments directed at council and its officers last week were both mistimed and lacking in fact," Mr Buckley said.
"The Traralgon Lions Club and soundshell working party have been engaged at all levels of this project, right down to the naming of the soundshell and the opening event. Any suggestion otherwise is misleading and mischievous. We were most disappointed with the negative comments made last week, particularly at a time when the community was positively preparing for a great opening event. We are however committed to our relationship with the Traralgon Lions Club and all other community groups as there is no doubt that such groups can add so much to the liveability of our community," Mr Buckley said.
"A consultative committee, comprising members of the community, has recently been formed to continue to work with council on matters relating to the soundshell, and I’m sure its work will result in an effective management system for this great new facility, that delivers ongoing benefits for the community at large," Mr Buckley added.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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