Urbanisation in
Regional Victoria
Written and Photographed by Jordan Ross
ATS2169 Photo Feature
The Gippsland Performing Arts Centre - Monday, May 16, 2022
The Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, or GPAC, opened Thursday, March 3, 2022. The $38.5 million infrastructure project was funded by the local, state and federal governments. The centre is a part of a wave of projects aiming to promote economic growth in Gippsland and regional Victoria as a whole. Gippsland, once a region built on its timber, mining and farming industries, has looked to urbanise with a focus on the economy, sporting facilities and the arts. The city of Traralgon, home to approximately 30,000, is a prime example of this urbanisation, with a strong desire for better facilities and infrastructure to attract new opportunities. Since opening in March, the centre has welcomed thousands of visitors and patrons for a range of shows, utilising the outdoor event spaces and indoor theatre.
Through this photography feature, enjoy a digital tour of the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, and feel welcome to learn about the site and the region. In addition, be informed by two experts on the centre, Michael Chapman, the Assistant Project Manager during construction, and Matthew Symmons, Head of Operations at GPAC.
New Theatre; Old Theatre - Friday, May 20, 2022
The Latrobe Performing Arts Centre features a smaller theatre, with only 220 seats in comparison to the 750 seats in the new centre. This theatre could not compete with the best regional Victorian theatres due to its small stage and limited production capabilities. Space within this building will transition into a Creative Industries Training Centre. This will be “dedicated space for education and training, with a particular focus on offering creative and performing arts courses” explained Assistant Project Manager, Michael Chapman. The local community is hopeful that this training centre will attract students from all over Gippsland, leading to continued investment and future infrastructure projects in Latrobe Valley.
Architecture & Design - Friday, May 20, 2022
Jackson Architecture in conjunction with Katsieris Origami led the design process for the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre. Local residents were also engaged with during this process, forming a Reference Group. The council wanted to ensure the centre could fulfil the desires of the local community. During the planning and designing stage, their were also architectural ambitions. A new wave of infrastructure projects in Latrobe Valley have celebrated contemporary design and architecture. The exterior of the building utilises glass, featuring full-length windows which lead to a bright and vibrant interior. The design also celebrates angles and diagonals, consistent with much of the architecture that has featured in contemporary metropolitan areas in Melbourne.
Traralgon's Fed Square - Monday, May 16, 2022
In addition to an indoor theatre, the complex ensures the opportunity for outdoor events. This space will allow for public gatherings which will bring the local community together in celebration of culture, art and music. After the centres opening in March, the local council ran a series of Friday night festivals in this space. They featured live music, cuisine from local businesses, celebrations of the indigenous cultures and people of the region, as well as social and recreational activities for children and families.
Currently under construction, this space [pictured] will feature an outdoor cinema. The Assistant Project Manager, Michael Chapman likened the setup and future use to that of Federation Square. He continued by saying it "will create new opportunities for the community to gather and experience events such as open-air movie nights or live music performances which weren’t previously available”.
Monday, May 16, 2022
The Local Council, in collaboration with the State and Federal Government, have created an entertainment and recreational hub, strengthening the Traralgon Central Business District. In addition to the Performing Arts Centre, there's the newly opened Regional Aquatic Centre and the Reading Movie Cinema, as well as the refurbished Traralgon Basketball Stadium. The Aquatic Centre will attract swimmers for competitions at regional, state and national levels, while the cinema improves upon the existing Village Cinema in Morwell.
A Tribute to the Region - Monday, May 23, 2022
In the Foyer, tree-like columns provide practical, symbolic and decorative functions. The structures are a “tribute to the Gippsland timber industry” said Matthew Symmons, Head Of Venue Operations at the Centre. The production of timber which has laid the foundation for industrial growth in the Gippsland region. Symmons said the columns where manufactured at the Heyfield Mill, Australia’s largest hardwood sawmill and a major employer in the area. As the region begins to urbanise through government infrastructure and new markets such as performing arts, the designers have ensured a strong connection to the areas rural and industrial past. When inside the foyer, visitors will feel as though they're travelling along the forest floor, while a view from the second story, will have visitors feel as though they are amongst a forest canopy. In this journey, visitors feel immersed within a forest of timber, and thus immersed within the history of the region, connected in a unique way to its modern story of urbanisation.
The tree-inspired columns are just one of the foyers several features. The space also includes a café, reception and a relocated Traralgon Visitor Information Centre.
An Inside Look - Monday, May 23, 2022
The two-level, 750 seat theatre has “created the opportunity for a wide range of new shows and programs to be offered within the venue” says Chapman. Features such as an orchestra pit, full height fly tower and full width stage with extended wings will lend themselves to high-quality performances, including a greater variety in the types of shows that can be staged. Theatre Productions, Comedy Shows, Orchestral Performances, and Musical Concerts will feature on the stage this year.
Behind the Curtains - Monday, May 23, 2022
Changing rooms and extra facilities for performers are a key aspect of the project. There is now room for over 40 performers with five backstage changing rooms. With a venue as large as this one, it was crucial that performers and guests have adequate space before, between and after shows.
There was also a focus on accessibility within the venue. GPAC incorporates a changing places facility (for those with disabilities as well as their carers) and a quiet room (for those with sensory needs). Additionally, wheelchair seating is included within the theatre. These measures ensure that the venue is open to all visitors.
Luke Kidgell: Cheers to That Comedy Show - Friday, May 13, 2022
With a bigger theatre comes better opportunities for live performances. This included Luke Kidgell's latest stand-up show, 'Cheers to That' that hit the stage in May. Kidgell has amassed over a million fans on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, and this reflected in his stay at Traralgon where he performed two shows, both selling out the 750 seat theatre. Kidgell even boasted that his shows in Traralgon were being performed in the second biggest venue of his entire nationwide tour.
A Night at the Theatre - Friday, May 13, 2022
The centre provides the opportunity for local residents to engage with nationally recognised acts closer to home. In recent months, locals have enjoyed 'The Comedy Gala' and ABBA tribute band 'Björn Again'. Upcoming performances include the musical and dance act, 'A Taste of Ireland', ARIA award-winning singer, Amy Shark on her 'See You Somewhere Tour", and the Comedic stylings of Kitty Flanagan. No longer will residents be forced to travel long distances for high-quality, live performances.
