Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Wonthaggi Centennial Centre Open Day

The much anticipated Wonthaggi Centennial Centre is ready for visitors.

By Bass Coast - 9th December 2011 - Back to News

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, said the open day is an opportunity to be amongst the first people to enjoy the new Centre.

The new Centre represents the final part of Wonthaggi’s Centenary celebrations and has been a joint project between the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi and Bass Coast Shire Council.

"The building is a new landmark for the town and a fitting legacy of an historical milestone in our history," said Cr Dowman.

This new expansive building houses the Wonthaggi Visitor Information Centre, relocated from Watt Street. The Centre also contains a meeting space which can be booked by community members and organisations for meetings and functions.

"It is symbolic that this Visitor Information Centre features a display about the State Coal Mine, celebrating the mining history of Wonthaggi and inviting people to experience the Mine today. Wonthaggi was founded on mining and 100 years later this Centre welcomes people to our town to share this experience, and many of our other attractions.

"This Centre well and truly puts Wonthaggi on the map as a place that has so much to explore," said Cr Dowman.

Neville Goodwin, President Rotary Club of Wonthaggi said that the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi is delighted to see the new Centennial Centre completed. It is a number of years since we approached Council to work together on this project, and we very pleased to see the new Centre open.

"It provides a great new facility for visitors to the region and the Wonthaggi community. The Rotary Club is proud to have played a part in making it happen," Mr Goodwin said.

Bass Coast Shire Council, Community and Economic Development Director, Steven Piasente said the Centre was designed by Caroline McPhee, a local architect who won a design competition. You can’t miss this striking building as you approach Wonthaggi on the Bass Highway. The charcoal coloured exterior is eye catching and is all part of a well thought through design.

"The Centre incorporates the look and feel of a coal mine, making the link to Wonthaggi’s coal mining past. We are very pleased with the way the new building has come together and that the project has been completed on time and within budget.

Visitor Information Centre staff and volunteers are very excited to be working in a new Centre and are ready for the busy summer holiday season," said Mr Piasente.

The $1.5 million Wonthaggi Centennial Centre was jointly funded by the Federal Government through the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program ($1.1million), the State Government Sustainable Small Towns Development Fund ($300.000), Wonthaggi Rotary ($30,000) and Bass Coast Shire Council ($185,000).

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
• Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (Glen Eira Leisure) claim fourth consecutive victory at 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard challenge
  Glen Eira Leisure won the 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Challenge for the fourth consecutive year, excelling in rescue, emergency response, and team-based competitions against 23 Victorian aquatic teams.
• Wellington Shire Council proudly announces the $23M Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment opens 7 October 2025
  Wellington Shire Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale is complete, with the $23 million facility set to open officially to the public on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
• East Gippsland opens nominations for 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising outstanding community contributions and achievements
  East Gippsland Shire Council invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
  South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring.
• East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025.
• Australia to celebrate inaugural Red and Yellow Day honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting water safety initiatives
  Australia will celebrate its first Red & Yellow Day on March 4, 2026, honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting lifesaving clubs through community participation and fundraising for vital water safety initiatives.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025.
• Martin Cameron supports Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day raising vital funds for Lifeline and Rotary
  More than 150 golfers joined the Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day in Traralgon, raising a record $30,000 for Lifeline Gippsland and Rotary's local mental health initiatives.