An impressive new art installation will shine a spotlight on Mildura's Lock Island - bringing an economic boost to the region.
Minister for Skills and TAFE and Minister for Water Gayle Tierney last night represented Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos and joined world renowned artist Bruce Munro on Lock Island to officially launch Mr Munro's latest work, Trail of Lights.
Backed by a $3 million investment from the Labor Government's Regional Tourism Infrastructure Projects program, the installation features more than 12,500 firefly lights and 22 Gone Fishing sculptures-light structures crafted from fishing rods-illuminating a reflective walking trail around Lock Island.
Trail of Lights is expected to bring new overnight visitation to the Mildura region and is predicted to attract more than 185,000 visitors across the next two years. This will support the Mallee region's tourism economy which welcomed 1.56 million visitors staying a total of 3.96 million nights in the year ending September 2024.
Bruce Munro is a prominent light artist whose large-scale, immersive works have lit up spaces across the globe including in the US, UK, Europe and South Korea. Closer to home, Mr Munro is best known for designing the Field of Light installation in Uluru, Northern Territory.
The first of two installations by the artist in the region, Trail of Lights will later this year be joined by an installation in Wentworth, on the New South Wales side of the Murray River called Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO).
Trail of Lights was delivered by Mildura Rural City Council with support from the Victorian Government.
The installation opens to the public on the evening of Friday, 4 April 2025. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit mildura.com/lights/.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"Mildura is such a beautiful part of the state. Whether you've visited the Murray River many times, or have never been, this stunning installation is a truly unique way to experience one of Victoria's most awe-inspiring natural wonders."
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE and Minister for Water Gayle Tierney
"I applaud Bruce on this stunning work, because attractions like Trail of Lights are so important to our regions, bringing visitors from near and far and boosting local jobs and economies."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"Trail of Lights will shine a spotlight on Mildura, attracting visitors from near and far while boosting local businesses and jobs in the region."
As stated by Bruce Munro
"In an increasingly busy world, Trail of Lights was designed to create a moment of stillness and contemplation within a natural setting - because magic happens when art and nature meet. I'm grateful to both the Victorian Government and the Mildura Rural City Council for supporting this installation, I hope it brings lots of light to the community."
