Central Goldfields Shire has welcomed the Victorian Government's announcement of $150,000 in funding for the Creative Space, Courtyard and Co-working Space infrastructure at the iconic Maryborough Railway Station.
The funding - secured through an application to the Victorian Government's Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program - will complement the $100,000 received in June for "Creative Station – Engage and Inspire" as part of the Victorian Government's Council Support Program.
It will build on previous infrastructure upgrades at the iconic Maryborough Railway Station, and forms part of Council's Priority Project - Station Reactivation Stage 4.
The funding will deliver provision of disability access, flexible staging and seating for performances, digital projection facilities, equipment and amenities for working with wet materials, and digital creation and presentation.
Central Goldfields Shire General Manager Community Wellbeing Emma Little said the latest round of funding is part of a long-term plan we've been delivering on for the Maryborough Railway Station.
"We know that arts and creativity are vital to not only the wellbeing of our community but also to further increasing the attractiveness of our Shire to visitors.
"With the support of the State Government, in 2023 we were able to redevelop the Visitor Centre as well as a basic upgrade of the Creative Space and Courtyard at the northern end of the platform in readiness for this next chapter.
"The south end of the Station is really buzzing now with VLine, The Station Café Restaurant and Bar and the Visitor Centre. Our focus is now on activating the northern end of the precinct – specifically the Creative Space and Courtyard.
"This latest grant gives us the funds we need to add a range of flexible infrastructure so that a wide range of creative events, performances, workshops and other activities will be available for community and visitors, while also supporting the development of our local artists and creative industry.
"The earlier grant supports us with activation and soon we'll be appointing a project officer to engage with our community around what they want the space to be used for and to develop a model and pilot program.
"We look forward to seeing the north end of the Station brought to life!"
The project is expected to be completed by July 2025.
