The Allan Labor Government has backed another regional tourism experience in southwest Victoria, supporting the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre to deliver facility upgrades that will help draw more visitors to the region and support local jobs and businesses.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today encouraged visitors to check out the upgraded Volcanoes Discovery Centre - which lies at the foot of Mount Rose, a dormant volcano.
The upgrades include a revitalised education space, refurbished internal displays, and new outdoor geological interpretation areas and learning spaces.
The upgrades and new facilities will support the centre to provide school groups and visitors with a richer understanding of how volcanoes are formed, their geology, their history in the Greater Hamilton area, and how the region's First Peoples interacted with volcanoes.
Penshurst is at the centre of the Newer Volcanics Province, the third largest volcanic plain on earth, which stretches over an area of 15,000 square kilometres and contains over 400 small volcanoes and volcanic vents.
The refurbishments at the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre will help encourage visitors to explore more of a region steeped in geological and cultural significance, including the nearby Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO world-heritage site.
The Labor Government has supported the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre upgrade with an investment of $290,000 through its Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
Southern Grampians Shire Council also contributed $40,000 to the project.
For more information about the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre, visit volcanoesdiscoverycentre.com.au
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"Penshurst's landscape is a geological marvel, and the upgrades to the Volcanoes Discovery Centre will help visitors learn more about this incredible patch of southwest Victoria. If you're into natural history, I encourage you to visit the centre and experience all Penshurst's charm for yourself."
"We're proud to support this project through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund to help draw more visitors to Victoria's regional destinations and support the jobs and businesses that call them home."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
"This investment is a big win for Penshurst, helping to attract more visitors, support local businesses, and showcase the region's incredible volcanic and cultural heritage."
As stated by Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin
"We are extremely grateful to have received funding to give a much-needed boost to this very special institution. The Southern Grampians region is filled with ancient natural wonders that surprise and fascinate us. These upgrades will give us a chance to share the knowledge and stories we have with a wider audience."
