Premier Daniel Andrews today joined local Labor MPs Jacinta Allan and Maree Edwards to tour Bendigo’s new, 1,000 seat Ulumbarra Theatre ahead of its official opening next week.
The Victorian Government invested $10.5 million in the construction of Ulumbarra Theatre, which is located within the Old Bendigo Gaol and also houses music, dance and theatre studios and other learning spaces.
Ulumbarra is a Dja Dja Wurrung word meaning “gathering together”. The unique development bearing the name will be an asset for local students and the creative arts community.
The vision for a state-of-the-art theatre within the Old Bendigo Gaol began during the Bracks Labor Government, which decommissioned the gaol in 2006 and handed the site to Bendigo Senior Secondary College.
The school, which is the largest senior secondary curriculum provider in Australia, will co-manage the theatre complex alongside the City of Greater Bendigo, which contributed $3 million towards its construction.
The 1500-plus students at Bendigo Senior Secondary College will use the complex as part of its performing arts curriculum. It will also house school assemblies, graduations and awards nights.
Ulumbarra will enable performance art in Greater Bendigo to flourish, complementing the productions and shows on offer at the 485-seat Capital Theatre which is unable to cater for large touring groups and gatherings.
Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews
“Bendigo Senior Secondary is one of our state’s biggest schools, and the new Ulumbarra Theatre will sit at the very heart of its modern curriculum. This is the future of education in Victoria.”
“This is a place for young people to learn, a place for arts and culture to thrive, and a place that locals will come to love.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan MP
“I’m so proud that Labor governments have been involved in this project from conception to completion, and it will be my great honour to officially open Ulumbarra on April 17.”
“This means more events in Bendigo – more major acts, more major productions, more things for us to see and do.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards MP
“Our state is the art and culture capital and our city is home to its new headquarters.”
“I can’t wait to come here with my family and friends and see the very best that our creative arts community has to offer.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020