Fresh off last weekend's hugely successful launch of Mildura's rebranding as Tropical North Victoria, Mildura and Wentworth Councils have exciting updates on two major projects as part of the groundbreaking campaign.
Two distinct and highly anticipated art installations by the renowned Bruce Munro, Trail of Lights and Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO), are being elevated to a new level to maximise visitation numbers and economic benefits on both sides of the Murray River.
The NSW side of the installation, supported by $4.9 million in funding from the NSW Government, is dubbed the Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO), and will now be located four kilometres from Wentworth, on Log Bridge Road, with the iconic Perry Sandhills and Thegoa Lagoon as the backdrop.
FOSO is a world-first display featuring a full symphonic orchestra music. It will also provide an outback experience for visitors.
The Victorian side of the installation, which has been made possible thanks to a $3 million Victorian Government Regional Tourism Infrastructure Projects grant, is an epic light display that will feature 12,500 'firefly' lights among other attractions.
In a bid to maximise its potential, the installation is to be staged on Lock Island, within walking distance of Mildura's iconic riverfront precinct and CBD.
The location is set to pave the way for a significant increase in accommodation, visitation and tourism spend across the region, while making it easier for visitors and residents to access the once-in-a-lifetime attraction.
Both installations, currently being created by world-renowned artist Bruce Munro, are being hailed as a win for locals and visitors alike.
Bruce, who visited the earmarked sites, described them as "incredible", while sharing his excitement regarding what the dual installations could bring to both sides of the Murray River.
"It's quite incredible to see what Mildura Rural City Council and Wentworth Shire Council have come up with," Bruce said.
"These installations are for the community, and over my 41-year career I've aways believed that art and tourism can generate something truly spectacular for the whole community to go and see, experience and benefit from.
"This is the biggest project of my career, and these locations are only going to take the installations to new heights, while allowing visitors to fill both towns, spend big and then go and have a really good time."
Bruce described Lock Island as the perfect setting, surrounded by Australia's iconic Murray River, while praising the Log Bridge Road site for its rugged beauty and backdrop.
"Lock Island is very much a sanctuary as the limited access onto the island via two lock gates provides added protection for flora and fauna," he said.
"There is no doubt that life is getting busier and the primary purpose of this installation is to create a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere within a natural setting."
Mildura Rural City Council General Manager Strategy and Growth Peter Alexander said the location of the Victorian Trail of Lights installation near the banks of Mildura's riverfront would only capitalise on this one-of-a-kind experience.
"A vital step in deciding on the move to Lock Island was engaging with a broad range of key stakeholders, taking in tourism, hospitality and accommodation operators as well as nearby residents," Mr Alexander said.
"The feedback was overwhelmingly supportive and clear that this move will help us to continue to refine our offering to take this attraction to the highest possible level," he said.
"We are reimagining this experience, aiming to reduce costs associated with its ongoing operation, and develop a product that ensures more people have access.
"Above all else we are delivering what our community expects – two internationally-renowned installations that are going to captivate people from across the nation and put our region on the map."
Mr Alexander said the dual installations are set to deliver an exponential increase in tourism, with a large percentage of tourists coming from South Australia, which will provide enormous opportunities throughout the entire Mildura-Wentworth region.
Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Daniel Linklater praised the collaboration between the neighbouring Councils to deliver two distinct and unique attractions.
"The collaboration between Wentworth Shire Council and Mildura Rural City Council on this project will see a massive increase in tourist numbers and additional nights of stay benefitting the whole region," Cr Linklater said.
"As a Council we are very excited with the FOSO project, and all the opportunities it will provide our community.
"The Wentworth installation, with the backdrop of the 40,000-year-old Perry Sandhills and the full symphonic orchestra music, is unique and will be an unmatched experience anywhere in Australia.
"The FOSO project will put Wentworth on the map as a destination."
Bruce, who is famed for his innovative and iconic installations that incorporate emotive themes matched with natural landscapes, has produced more than 45 exhibitions globally, including Japan, the USA, UK, Denmark, Mexico and South Korea.
His highly successful Field of Light installation in Uluru, Northern Territory, has welcomed visitors for more than seven years and received widespread international acclaim.
Originally set to be in place for one year, the Field of Light was extended indefinitely due to popular demand.
Trail of Lights is expected to open in time to capitalise on the 2025 Easter school holidays, further increasing visitors to our region, followed by FOSO later in the year.
