Tourism centre bid

By Tania Martin
LA Trobe MP Jason Wood is calling for a $6 million arts, history and tourism centre to be built in the Dandenong Ranges.
He said the centre was desperately needed to help promote tourism, local artists and the history of the region.
Mr Wood said it was concerning that a lot of people living in the Dandenongs are unaware of the number of famous artist such as Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton who once lived in the hills.
“We need to promote and provide a place for our local artists to show off their work,” he said.
Mr Wood said on many occasions he had been shocked to learn a number of paintings he has seen exhibited in Canberra were by hills artist.
He said this lack of knowledge is common in the Dandenongs because many people don’t realise they have such famous artists in their midst.
Mr Wood said the centre would display artist work while giving a history of the region and information about the best places to visit while in the region.
He said if the project was successful it would be built near the base of the Dandenong Ranges National Park in Ferntree Gully.
Gembrook artist Mark Weichard said the centre was a great idea because hills artist often don’t get a lot of exposure in their home towns.
Mr Weichard said it would be a great way for well-known and up-and-coming artists to display their artwork.
Michael Axel of Dandenong Ranges Tourism said the centre would also be a great boost for visitors.
He said at the moment there are a lot of people who live in the Dandenongs who don’t know about the many tourism destinations.
“People are just not aware of what’s available in their own area,” he said.
Mr Wood is working with the Shire of Yarra Ranges on the proposed centre but is calling for the community to get behind the idea.
“It’s essential that we showcase the Dandenong Ranges and we can do this through a centre which displays our history, local art, provides education for local children and is a first point of reference for information about the local area,” he said.
Mr Wood will now send out surveys to local residents calling for their support of the project.