Huge arts boost

By Ed Merrison
THE Dandenong Ranges arts and education fraternities were rejoicing last week at news that a $7.6 million performing arts centre is coming to the Dandenong Ranges.
Premier Steve Bracks came to Upwey last Thursday (25 May) to announce $3 million in Government funds towards the development of a new theatre at Burrinja, the Dandenong Ranges Community Cultural Centre.
The Burrinja management, principals from local schools and representatives from the Shire of Yarra Ranges were among those present to hear the funding announcement which came almost a week ahead of the State Government budget.
Mr Bracks said the state-of-the-art facility would seat up to 450 people and would mean a wide range of theatrical productions and concerts currently performed elsewhere could be staged in the local community.
“Investing in the arts is central to the development of strong, vibrant communities.
“The addition of a new purpose-built theatre will allow Burrinja to build on its excellent reputation as a vibrant community cultural centre,” he said.
Mr Bracks commended the shire for contributing $4.6 million towards the theatre and for recognising the value of such a far-reaching resource.
“This project also owes a lot to the support of local schools St Joseph’s College, Monbulk College, Upwey High and Mater Christi College, that will all be able to use the theatre for end of year concerts and other activities,” he said.
Mr Bracks also commended the efforts of Monbulk MP James Merlino who established a working party comprising the shire, local schools and the Dandenong Ranges Music Council, in making the project a reality.
“Mr Merlino’s efforts brought this project back to life after decades of wishful thinking,” he said.
Mr Merlino said the new theatre would ensure the addition of a broad range of the best theatre, dance and music performances to the annual calendar of activities at Burrinja.
“This is a great day for the communities of the Dandenong Ranges. We will now have a dedicated, purpose-built performing arts centre in the Hills.
“The beauty of this project is that every school, every child, everyone interested in the arts in this region will benefit,” he said.
Work on the Burrinja site, which will also include a terrace area for the cafe and a new 116-seat theatre-in-the-round, is expected to be completed in 2009.
Streeton Ward councillor Noel Cliff said the performing arts centre would be the best thing that had ever happened to the region and would put an end to local school children having to travel all over the surrounding areas for performances.
“This place is alive with art and talent and the shire desperately needs this to be a cultural centre.
“This place will never gather dust. It will be a seven days a week facility, there’s nothing surer,” he said.
DRMC community music coordinator Bev McAlister said she had been lobbying for such a facility for decades and was delighted it was now on its way.
“We need it for the community to be an audience to world class performances, as well as to celebrate its own performances in a purpose-built venue.
“It’s particularly important for the children, who will be the audiences of the future,” she said.