SOVEREIGN HILL UNVEILS NEW WADAWURRUNG PRECINCT
Member for Eureka Michaela Settle today officially opened the new Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct featuring sculptures from five Wadawurrung artists Aunty Marlene Gilson OAM, Dr Deanne Gilson, Tammy Gilson, Kait James and Lynette Fagan.
The new space is an acknowledgement to the impact of colonisation on the Wadawurrung community, while celebrating their enduring connection to Country, language and culture.
The Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct is just one of a number of new experiences coming to Sovereign Hill, backed by a $6 million investment from the Labor Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
Other upgrades include the redevelopment of Sovereign Hill’s café with a 270-capacity indoor event space, enhancing accessibility at the gold panning precinct, and establishing a 7,500-person events zone for day and night activities and functions in Ballarat.
Sovereign Hill’s new spaces and upgraded facilities will support increased visitation to Ballarat, with those benefits flowing to the local community. The new events zone will host the upcoming Food, Fire & Light Festival over two weekends on 11-12 and 18-19 October 2024.
For more information about Sovereign Hill, visit sovereignhill.com.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
“Sovereign Hill is one of Ballarat’s top tourist attractions so it’s great to see this partnership between Traditional Owners and the museum resulting in a special project that ensures the museum continues to attract visitors and celebrates the Wadawurrung community and their enduring connection to Country, language and culture.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“Our Regional Tourism Investment Fund is backing businesses that make our regional tourism offering unique – these new spaces will support Sovereign Hill to create new and exciting experiences for people of all ages. I encourage anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind getaway to make the trip to Ballarat to enjoy the Food, Fire & Light Festival and check out everything this great region has to offer.”
Quote attributable to Sovereign Hill Museums Association’s CEO Sara Quon
“Sovereign Hill’s new cultural spaces and upgrades are a testament to our ongoing commitment to sharing bold narratives and enriching the visitor experience. The new Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct is a particularly significant addition, offering visitors an immersive experience that honours the history and culture of the Traditional Owners of this land. With the support of the Victorian Government, we’re proud to unveil facilities that not only celebrate the region’s cultural heritage but also enhance our capacity to host vibrant events like the Food, Fire & Light Festival. We look forward to welcoming visitors to explore these new spaces, which will help strengthen Ballarat as a premier destination for culture, history, and entertainment.”
Media contact: Tyler Proctor | 0432 841 767 | [email protected]
