Intergenerational Projects Receive $5 Million in Government Funding
Published on 01 November 2024
Southern Grampians Shire Council is set to receive a $5 million funding boost from the Federal Government for the design of Hamilton’s Community and Cultural Precinct.
Consisting of the CBD Streetscape, New Hamilton Gallery, the Community Hub and new town square, the projects will be supported by the Federal Government to build community connection while growing the Southern Grampians tourism and cultural sectors.
Southern Grampians Shire Council CEO Tony Doyle said Council is thrilled following this announcement.
“This funding announcement is a huge endorsement of our aspiration for the Hamilton CBD. It gives our major projects a real boost to turn these ambitious builds into a reality for our community,” said Mr Doyle.
“We are very appreciative to receive the funding, which will go toward project design, and importantly it shows a real belief and a commitment from the Federal Government to invest in the future of the Southern Grampians,” said Mr Doyle.
“As a Council we have been advocating hard over the last couple of years at both a State and Federal level to champion the progression of these intergenerational projects that we know will make a real difference in the growth and sustainability of our region.
“We know the Hamilton Community and Cultural Precinct has the capacity to grow not only our local economy but really cement our place as a must-stop destination on the tourism map.”
The new Community Hub will provide a place for community to improve education and business outcomes and skills; provide a much-needed expanded library, as well as the co-location of government and community health services.
The CBD Streetscape will allow for revitalised streets, build upon laneways and encourage community connection through spaces, culture, and events, welcoming visitors and residents to stay and play in what will be a reinvigorated Hamilton CBD.
The new Gallery will provide opportunity to display more of the extensive 9,000 item collection and will be complemented by civic and community functions. The Gallery will also strengthen connection between culture and life through art that is inclusive. It will be positioned as a national leader in regional galleries to create a place that is exciting, inclusive, and ambitious. Importantly, the new Gallery will also drive visitor growth and build the region’s tourism economy.
“We know our current civic and community facilities do not meet resident needs, with extensive gaps in service.
“Hamilton has one of the highest proportions of disengaged young people in Victoria, with 14.37% of people 20-24 years-old not earning or learning. The new digital hub, with access to online education and training, will offer disengaged young people new opportunities to reconnect with learning in safe and free spaces.
“One in three households across the Southern Grampians contain a single resident, and more than a third of people over 75 live alone. By delivering these projects we will provide our more isolated residents the opportunity to participate in community life, build social connections, in welcoming, safe, and accessible spaces,” Mr Doyle said.
“These projects are really about strengthening the town centre as the place where the community comes together where locals shop, meet and stay. This a once-in-a-generation, city-shaping opportunity to activate those unused central locations, connect community, provide businesses with economic opportunity, and transform our visitor economy.
“I’m really excited for this funding announcement, as it is the continuation of something aspirational and vitally important to the region. Our commitment and hard work will continue to deliver these big three to people of the Southern Grampians,” concluded Mr Doyle.
The funding is part of the Federal Governments Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.