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Oak Street Arts Happening free event spotlights local artists and creatives held at recently renovated Drouin Community Hub

The Oak Street Arts Happening, organised by Committee for Drouin and backed by a Baw Baw Shire Council Community Grant, showcased local artists and creatives with market stalls and group displays.

By news@gippsland - 16th October 2023 - Back to News

Drouin's Oak Street was awash with music and art this weekend as locals came together to celebrate the launch of the newly renovated Drouin Community Hub facilities. A free event organised by Committee for Drouin and supported with a Baw Baw Shire Council Community Grant, the Oak Street Arts Happening turned the spotlight on local artists and creatives, and featured market stalls and displays by local groups including:

• Creative Drouin
• Drouin Croquet Club
• 3BBR
• the Senior Citizens
• Rotary Club of Drouin, Community Bank Drouin & District
• Off The Leash Theatre and more

President of the Committee for Drouin Jeannie Haughton was delighted with the community turnout for the launch and excited for the possibilities the Hub presents going forward.

Renovations at Drouin Community Hub focus on enhancing accessibility and flexibility, with new meeting rooms and gathering spaces for expanded community use

Community hub celebration

Ms Haughton said, "The Committee for Drouin is thrilled the hub is open, and even more thrilled with the response from the community which turned up in droves to this event which was designed for the public to explore the fantastic Community area in Oak Street. It's so central and close to public transport - so much potential to gather, have fun, meet others and do stuff!"

Speaking at the event, Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Annemarie McCabe acknowledged the work of the Committee for Drouin for putting together the free event for the community. "It's fantastic to see our community out and about embracing the arts and culture here in the Shire, and I thank Jeannie and the Committee for Drouin for organising today's Arts Happening. It's the perfect way to launch our newly renovated community hub."

Drouin community hub renovations

The works at the Drouin Community Hub follow community consultation to better understand the needs of users. The renovations include improvements to the buildings on both the north and south side of Oak Street.

Oak Street, Drouin (north side - Drouin Senior Citizens Hall)

• New accessible toilets
• New concrete path to meeting rooms
• New windows and doors throughout
• Fresh paint in the main hall and meeting room
• New platform lift connecting to the main backstage area
• Upgraded threshold ramps

Oak Street, Drouin (south side - former playgroup building)

• New entry ramp and rails
• New external concrete path
• Flooring improvements in the front waiting room
• New plasterboard and insulation in the main meeting space
• Porch cleaning and fresh paint

Across both sites, the Hub offers accessible facilities including a main hall and stage, kitchens and servery, and a selection of meeting, office and studio spaces of varying sizes.

Enhanced community space

Mayor McCabe said, "Council has invested over $660,000 to improve this multi-function community space, making the variety of rooms more usable and accessible for all. The Hub is perfect for meetings and all kinds of community activities for the public, and we are very pleased to officially open this space for our community and can't wait to see it used."

An online booking system is currently being developed for the Hub. In the meantime, enquiries and bookings can be made by phone to Baw Baw Shire Council on 1300 229 299 or by email to venue.hire@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au. To read more about the Drouin Community Hub Upgrades, please visit Drouin Community Hub Upgrades.

Pictures from Committee For Drouin Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland's Coastal and Marine Management Plan has received Ministerial Approval, recognising three years of community consultation and providing a shire-wide framework for sustainably managing coastal and marine environments.
• Baw Baw Shire Council wins Resilient Australia Award for inclusive emergency preparedness initiative supporting vulnerable communities
  Baw Baw Shire Council won a Resilient Australia Award for its inclusive emergency preparedness initiative, helping vulnerable residents and children build digital skills, resilience and readiness for future disasters.
• Baw Baw Shire Council to consider cost of returning to weekly red-bin collections
  Baw Baw Council will investigate the costs and implications of restoring weekly red-bin collections after a 6,139-signature petition highlighted strong community concern over the FOGO changes.
• East Gippsland Shire Council urges property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems and prevent failures
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems, including regular servicing and septic pumping, to prevent failures and protect households, neighbours and the environment.
• Baw Baw Shire Council keeps fortnightly red bins, weekly FOGO collections despite petition calling for weekly rubbish service
  Baw Baw Council will retain fortnightly red-bin and weekly FOGO collections despite a 6,139-signature petition seeking weekly rubbish services, citing $173,000 annual costs and reduced landfill waste.
• Ted Summerton Reserve upgrade marks major milestone for Moe’s sporting community and regional events
  Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe is undergoing major upgrades, including improved sporting facilities, accessibility, lighting and training infrastructure, boosting community participation, regional events and tourism across Latrobe City.
• Baw Baw Shire Council launches the return of Gippy Girls Can in September with something for every woman
  Gippy Girls Can returns across Baw Baw in September, offering women and girls welcoming, beginner-friendly and affordable opportunities to try new activities, get active and connect.
• Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
  The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards.
• East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion.
• Willow Grove recreation reserve secures $360,000 lighting upgrade to improve safety and support local sport
  Willow Grove Recreation Reserve will receive a $360,000 lighting upgrade by 2028, improving safety, supporting local sporting clubs, expanding female football opportunities and assisting emergency services during critical events.
• Gippsland Water reports progress on major projects, renewable energy and community engagement commitments
  Gippsland Water’s 2026 Community Report highlights progress on major infrastructure projects, achieving 100 per cent renewable energy, emergency support initiatives and increased community engagement through its Sounding Board.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• Trafalgar BMX track upgraded for safer, faster and more enjoyable riding experiences for local riders
  Trafalgar BMX track has reopened following a $26,000 upgrade, featuring reshaped jumps, straights and berms, improved drainage and enhanced safety. Council says the works will support active recreation and the growing local BMX community.
• Darren Chester congratulates Chris Dixon’s Helping Hands Running Festival team after raising $256,941 for free 3D hands
  Stratford runner Chris Dixon’s Helping Hands Running Festival raised $256,941 for Free 3D Hands, supporting children with limb differences, following his world-record treadmill run and strong community participation.
• Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
  Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is.
• Darren Chester praises Schoolworks’ Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar celebrating Gippsland authors, illustrators and community love of reading
  Federal Member Darren Chester praised Schoolworks Supplies for hosting The Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar, featuring over 25 Gippsland authors and illustrators, free workshops, and celebrating local creativity, literacy and independent businesses.
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.