State-of-the-art Gallery opens in Latrobe CityAfter undergoing a $4 million refurbishment and expansion program the Latrobe Regional Gallery in Morwell re-opened to the public on Wednesday By Latrobe Shire - 13th March 2003 - Back to News The gallery was opened by Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Tony Hanning, and Morwell MLA, Brendan Jenkins in the presence of 150 invited guests.
Cr Hanning said the re-development had been one of the most significant construction projects in the Latrobe Valley, and the new Gallery is now one of the most well equipped and extensive Galleries in regional Australia.
The Gallery’s refurbishment has been provided through grants provided by the Federal Government, Victorian State Government through Arts Victoria (Department of Premier and Cabinet) and Latrobe City Council.
Cr Hanning spoke of his proud involvement with the refurbishment of the Latrobe Regional Gallery. "Latrobe City Council now has a world class facility that has set an exceptionally high standard in regional Victoria. It is a credit to the architects, the arts community and the representatives of the City of Latrobe for their vision, faith and the positive outcomes it will provide," Cr Hanning said.
Morwell MLA, Brendan Jenkins, said that the variety and calibre of art that could now be presented in Latrobe City had reached a new level. "Having access to such a broad range of national and international art will not only be a wonderful experience for the community at large but also further highlight the breadth of our local talent," Mr Jenkins said.
Featuring seven superb gallery spaces and an enclosed external sculpture courtyard, the gallery has been designed to cater for a wide variety of exhibits. "Latrobe City will now be able to showcase local artist’s exhibitions in the Community Gallery alongside world-renowned art from travelling exhibitions, and the permanent collection. The grand spaces of levels one and two combine uniquely to allow for accommodation of both large travelling exhibitions in linked spaces and individual exhibits in the separate galleries," Cr Hanning explained.
Deputy Mayor, Cr Darrell White, said visitors will enjoy seeing the transformation of the original building. "Special elements such as the incorporation of the original foundation stones at the entry and a purpose built minimalist clock in Gallery One, contrast the old with the new. While the old Morwell Council Chambers are barely recognisable in the minimalist refurbishment, the original brick walls in the sculpture courtyard have new art works highlighted against them, and the existing concrete floors have been polished in such a way that they have become a feature," Cr White said.
Architects Williams and Boag have worked in partnership with Latrobe City and R & J Van Poppel builders to produce the new building. A ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the gallery reveals a studio workshop, meeting room, purpose built art stores, curators’ facilities and four levels of complex machinery dedicated to state-of-the-art atmospheric controls. "Approximately one quarter of the budget was spent on the specialised atmospheric controls, with the gallery now meeting international exhibiting standards, Gallery Director, Rodney Scherer explained.
"Special arts storage and lifts and curators facilities will mean that the exhibits from the gallery’s permanent collection can be regularly changed," Mr Scherer said.
"There are also significant benefits from the gallery refurbishment for the local arts community. The studio workshop has been designed in consultation with local art groups, and groups will be able to book the space through the gallery. The meeting room also will be available for public use through a booking system," Mr Scherer said.
Featuring throughout the Gallery are the works of well known local artist Anthea Williams. Ms Williams has worked closely with the architects to design several integrated internal and external designs and along with local sculptor Paul Jesse has been commissioned to create innovative signage pieces for the external facade. Designs Ms. Williams describes as "fluid, dynamic and energetic open form drawings in free-space."
With a swathe of new facilities and functions the public will now be able to take advantage of Latrobe City’s new gallery as it has never been able to previously. The new gallery shop features a range of affordable high quality art related products. Cards highlighting art from the gallery’s permanent collection will be on sale, alongside selected works from local artists.
Boasting a selection of fine foods and coffees a new café incorporated into the design will be open by May providing a convivial atmosphere to chat and relax while viewing the exhibitions.
Employing four full time and six part time staff the gallery opening hours will be Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and weekends 11am to 4pm.
Exhibitions to celebrate the Latrobe Regional Gallery’s opening are now on display. Exhibitions from the permanent collection will be open for viewing from April.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippslander.com
Related Articles- Latrobe Regional Gallery launches Autumn 2026 season, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage and environment
Latrobe Regional Gallery’s Autumn 2026 season opens 7 February, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage, identity, environment, and connections to place, including works by Lucy Hersey and Janina Green. - Latrobe Regional Gallery Mainstreet Cafe fosters skill development, employment, and community engagement for all abilities
Latrobe Regional Gallery welcomes Mainstreet Cafe, an all-abilities social enterprise providing inclusive hospitality training, employment opportunities, and community engagement, fostering skills development and pathways for people of all abilities. - Latrobe City Council develops community outreach program to boost CBD safety and reduce anti-social behaviour locally
Latrobe City Council will develop a $30,000 community outreach program to support vulnerable individuals, reduce anti-social behaviour, and improve safety in CBDs and transport hubs across the municipality. - Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase. - Latrobe City invites community to celebrate International Rose Garden Festival Morwell with lights, music and fun on 7-8 November 2025
Latrobe City Council invites everyone to the free International Rose Garden Festival Morwell, 7-8 November 2025, featuring night lights, live music, workshops, market stalls, performers, and over 4,000 blooming roses. - Latrobe City invites local artists to join new Public Art Artist Register for murals and creative city projects until 10 February 2026
Latrobe City Council invites local artists to join its Public Art Artist Register, offering paid mural opportunities, enhancing public spaces, supporting tourism, and connecting artists with future creative projects. - Berninneit Art Gallery unveils 'Kelp and the Sentient Sea' by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic 13 September to 26 October 2025
Berninneit Art Gallery presents Kelp and the Sentient Sea, a collaborative exhibition by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic, exploring Bass Coast's marine life through printmaking, dance, film, and installation from 13 September. - Latrobe City Council reviews community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to refine public space improvements and concerns
Latrobe City Council has concluded community consultation on the draft Streetscape Strategy, reviewing feedback on carpark concerns, public space improvements, and long-term enhancements before finalising recommendations. - Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth
Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities. - Latrobe City welcomes proposed $10B Morwell data centre boosting economy, jobs, and industry
Latrobe City Council welcomes Keppel’s proposed $10 billion Morwell data centre, Australia’s largest, leveraging existing energy infrastructure to create jobs, support workforce transition, and drive long-term economic and industrial growth. - Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences. - Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships. - Latrobe City Council invites residents to participate in 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey by phone on 16 February and 27 March 2026
Latrobe City Council’s annual Community Satisfaction Survey will contact 400 households by phone, gathering confidential feedback to improve services and council performance across the city. - Latrobe City Council endorses Transition Reserve Policy to drive economic diversification, growth and long-term job creation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed a Transition Reserve Policy to support economic diversification, fund enabling infrastructure, attract new industries, and allocate future surpluses to drive long-term regional growth and jobs. - Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth. - Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall with family fun, interactive learning and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital
Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall on 23 October, featuring fun activities, entertainment, local services, and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital promoting children's health, learning, and community connection. - Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025. - Latrobe City invites community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to enhance town centres until 20 October 2025
Latrobe City Council has released its draft Streetscape Strategy for public feedback, aiming to enhance town aesthetics, accessibility, and sustainability through improved design, maintenance, and consistent public amenities. - Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth. - Latrobe City events drive tourism, economic growth and community engagement across the region
Latrobe City hosted major sporting and cultural events in 2024 - 25, attracting over 27,000 attendees and generating $23.5 million in economic impact, reinforcing the region's growing reputation as an events hub. - Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries. - Latrobe City to celebrate Australia Day with free events, pools, citizenship ceremony, and community awards
Latrobe City will celebrate Australia Day with free community events, pool access, citizenship ceremonies, and awards recognising outstanding volunteers, fostering connection, fun, and community spirit across multiple towns. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Latrobe City Council launches 'Kindness is key' campaign to empower students and tackle bullying together
Latrobe City Council launched the Kindness is Key: Stop Bullying campaign, co-designed with students to promote kindness, upstander training, and community action against bullying across local schools. - Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience. - Latrobe City Australia Day Awards 2026 honoured locals’ achievements, service, and community leadership
Latrobe City celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising locals’ dedication, leadership, and community contributions across service, events, youth, senior, and citizen categories. - Latrobe City Council enhances Seymour Street Car Park safety, lighting, access, and parking experience
Latrobe City Council upgrades Seymour Street Car Park with improved lighting, safety measures, CCTV, and future real-time signage, ensuring accessible, secure all-day parking and enhanced confidence for CBD workers and visitors. - Latrobe City Council extends partnership with Tennis Australia to host 2027-2031 junior championships
Latrobe City Council will host the 2027–2031 AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior International, showcasing elite under-18 tennis, supporting the community, and strengthening the region’s reputation for world-class sporting events. - Latrobe City Council elects Sharon Gibson as Mayor and Dale Harriman as Deputy Mayor for 2025 - 26
Latrobe City Council has elected Sharon Gibson as Mayor and Dale Harriman as Deputy Mayor for 2025 - 26, pledging to diversify the economy, support local industries, and create jobs for the community. - Latrobe City Council announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms. - Latrobe City Council's Councillor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 regional agenda
Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 agenda, advocating sustainable growth, investment, and workforce opportunities for regional Victoria’s cities and surrounding communities. - Latrobe City outdoor pools set to reopen for summer with weather-based opening days ahead
Latrobe City’s outdoor pools reopen 29 November, operating on days forecast at 25 degrees celsius. Moe and Yallourn North offer family-friendly facilities, with Yallourn North free. Council highlights community enjoyment and water-safety benefits. - Latrobe City Council to negotiate Old Methodist Church sale following community consultation and support heritage reuse
Following community consultation, Latrobe City Council will negotiate the Old Methodist Church sale to Traralgon Historical Society, supporting heritage reuse and allocating $86,000 funding contingent on securing a VicTrack lease. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm. - Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL. - Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership. - Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration. - Vegas Fitzmaurice exhibition at Cowes Berninneit Art Gallery from 1 November to 6 December 2025
Berninneit Art Gallery presents Millowl - A Mother's Element by Vegas Fitzmaurice, a heartfelt tribute to motherhood, nature, and Phillip Island's elemental beauty. Exhibition runs 1 Nov - 6 Dec 2025. - Thurra river bridge finally reopens after five-year delay, fueling local frustration and renewed criticism
The Thurra River Bridge has reopened after five and a half years, prompting relief and anger, with MP Tim Bull criticising prolonged delays, economic impacts, and unfinished fire recovery projects across East Gippsland. - 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. - East Gippsland opens Lakes Entrance changing places facility, boosting accessibility, inclusion, and community participation
East Gippsland Shire Council and partners opened a Lakes Entrance Changing Places facility, providing fully accessible toilets, changerooms, and showers, enhancing inclusion, dignity, and community participation for people with disabilities. - East Gippsland Council opens 2026 Australia Day Awards nominations to celebrate outstanding community contributions
East Gippsland Council is calling for nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating individuals, groups, and events that make outstanding contributions to the community across volunteering, sport, arts, and environment. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens 5 December , boosting tourism, economy, and year-round adventure opportunities
Omeo’s new mountain bike park officially opens December 5, creating a year-round adventure destination, boosting tourism, supporting the local economy, and celebrating community collaboration with a full weekend of events. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, offering 114km trails, boosting local tourism, recreation, and economy
Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens Friday, featuring 114 km trails, community events, amenities, and safety measures, transforming the town into a year-round alpine adventure and tourism destination. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, delivering world-class trails, boosting tourism, community, and local economy
Omeo’s 114-kilometre, $10 million mountain bike park has officially opened, offering world-class trails, boosting tourism, energising local businesses, and celebrating years of community vision, planning, and collaboration. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government to enforce tobacco licensing, protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threats
Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to increase tobacco inspector numbers, enforce licensing, and protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threatening local shops and operators. - Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve officially opens during Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Finals celebrations on Saturday
Swifts Creek will celebrate the official opening of its $2.9 million upgraded recreation reserve during the Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday, 6 September 2025. - Rokeby to Noojee $4M trail upgrade officially opens, enhancing accessibility, safety, and visitor experience across region
A $4 million upgrade of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail has officially opened, delivering improved surfaces, facilities, signage and lookouts, with $3 million Victorian government funding and strong community contributions celebrated. - Gippsland Water Customer Satisfaction Survey opens from 1 to 17 October, feedback chance to win $100 bill credits
Gippsland Water’s annual customer satisfaction survey runs October 1-17, allowing all customers to provide feedback and enter a draw to win one of ten $100 bill credits. - Melina Bath says after 11 years of Labor, Victoria’s public lands face neglect, higher risks, and degradation
The Silver Review recommends abolishing VEAC, a $1.4 million taxpayer-funded bureaucracy, as Labor’s ineffective agency failed to improve land management or address bushfire and environmental risks. - Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action. - David Littleproud says farmers won major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds
Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures. - Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads. - Martin Cameron criticises WorkSafe, calling system flawed after apprentice Byron Foley’s catastrophic injury
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Victoria’s "fundamentally broken" WorkSafe system, highlighting apprentice Byron Foley’s catastrophic injury, ongoing struggles, and calling for urgent reform, fairer compensation, and better support services. - Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives. - Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.
|
