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Wonthaggi Union Theatre Centennial celebrates 100 years of arts, community, and cultural heritage in 2025

Bass Coast celebrates Wonthaggi Union Theatre centenary in 2025 with historical tributes, performances, and community stories, featuring MC Bryan Dawe, filmmaker Richard Lowenstein, and Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead.

By news@gippsland - 15th January 2025 - Back to News

With only a month to go, last tickets remain for this fundraiser 100th birthday at Wonthaggi! It's not often you get invited to a centennial celebration! Interviews may be available upon request with MC Bryan Dawe and acclaimed Film Director, Richard Lowenstein as well as Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead.

Bass Coast Shire Council proudly announces the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre's 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of creativity and community connection

Previous media release

Bass Coast Shire Council is proud to announce a milestone celebration as the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre turns 100 in 2025! This iconic venue, originally known as The Union Theatre, has been a hub of community life and connectivity for a century, fostering intergenerational culture, creativity, and social cohesion.

Under the banner of "It's On At The Union", the Centre will revert to its original name of The Union Theatre for 2025 with a year-long activation filled with historical reflections and contemporary performances, bringing together a swathe of well-known acts, local artists, community groups, and the people of Wonthaggi and beyond to celebrate the arts and the community spirit that has defined this region.

The program, posters and advertising for the events that are part of the celebrations will take on a unique look and feel to pay homage to the Miners Union history featuring bright red, burgundy and black with a shape paying tribute to the front of the original building.

Launch event - 15 February 2025

Join us for the official launch of this landmark year as we unveil the 2025 theatre and arts program with a community fundraiser evening of live performance, film, and celebration. This event will highlight the vital role the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre has played in our region and will honour its rich history.

Highlights of the evening include:

• Screening of Strikebound - In Conversation with Richard Lowenstein: This acclaimed documentary delves into Wonthaggi's coal mining heritage. A post-screening discussion with director Richard Lowenstein will provide insights into the film and its connections to our town's history
• Event MC by Bryan Dawe - Live Music: Arrive early to enjoy performances by the Wonthaggi Citizens' Band, a symbol of our town's enduring musical tradition
• All proceeds go to the Wonthaggi Historical Society and the Wonthaggi Citizens' Band

Follow Bass Coast Cultural Venues on social media or visit the Bass Coast Cultural Venues website for updates on the "It's On At The Union" program.

Celebration of community

The 100th anniversary program will feature contributions from diverse community groups and residents, showcasing the interwoven stories of Wonthaggi's past and present. The year-long celebration will honour the Centre's origins as a gathering place for miners and their families while celebrating its evolution into a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and local talent.

Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead was excited to celebrate the arts in Wonthaggi and the enduring history of the theatre. "This milestone is an opportunity to not only look back at the incredible history of the Wonthaggi Union but also to embrace its future. It's a celebration of the people who have kept this venue alive and thriving across generations," said Cr Rochelle Halstead.

History

The original Union Theatre was built in 1925 by the Miners Union and was home to theatre performances, music, debates, union meetings and even boxing matches. It stood until 10 April 1980 when the building was razed by fire.

However, through the commitment of the then Borough of Wonthaggi, the theatre was rebuilt and opened on 13 November 1982. This is the building we know today as the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com