Mayoral Column 9th December 2020

Published on 08 December 2020

Construction milestones at Performing Arts Centre

Progress at the home of the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre is continuing, as the end of 2020 and the first year of construction draw to a close.

The project has faced some challenges throughout the year including wet weather and difficulties with piling holes for the foundations, but is now making great gains as we approach Christmas.

From the side of the Post Office you can really see how impressive the structure is becoming, with 140 of 210 precast panels now installed. On the sides of these panels we have detailed the shape and height of the old building, to ensure we remember the heritage that once stood there.”

“Placement of structural steel will begin prior to the end of the year, and we can expect a roof and cladding to begin to go on in January 2021.”

Planning works and design review are now ongoing for the internal building fit out which will commence in 2021. The project includes renovation of the 1887 portion of the Old Town Hall which fronts Auburn Street, and will be used as a foyer, café/bar and office space.

A manager for the Performing Arts Centre will begin in the role in January 2021, in order to begin the planning and programming for the theatre launch at the end of the year.

All three levels of Government have combined to provide funding for this project. $4.5m has been gained through the NSW Government Regional Cultural Fund, and a further $1m through the Federal Government National Stronger Regions Fund. Veolia Mulwaree Trust have also generously pledged $2.5m as a community partner for the project. Council will fund the remaining $12 million for the project.

Tallong Community Commemoration and Resilience Celebration Day

On Sunday I was pleased to join the Tallong community for their Community Commemoration and Resilience Celebration day at Tallong Memorial Park.

The day highlighted the centenary celebration for the Tallong Memorial Hall, where new honour boards were unveiled to mark the occasion. On the day we were joined by Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor, NSW Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman, Deputy Mayor Peter Walker and Councillor Carol James along with a number of esteemed community members.

An official ceremony was held to acknowledge the enormous efforts and contributions of our Rural Fire Service men and women throughout the recent fires in Tallong and surrounds. As part of this a sculpture garden has been created showcasing local flora and fauna.

Acknowledgement must go to the Federal Government who provided funding for this event through the Bushfire Community Resilience and Economic Recovery Fund.

Australian Superbike Championship

Although they were not able to have spectators, we welcomed the final rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship to Wakefield Park over the past weekend.

The season has been considerably affected and therefore shortened by COVID-19, but Wakefield Park hosted a double header finale event over Saturday and Sunday. A huge congratulations to our two local men who competed over the weekend; Troy Herfoss dominated the weekend winning three of four races in the Superbike class but it was unfortunately not enough to close the gap for him to win his third championship. In the Supersport class local young gun Tom Toparis continued the promising start to his career, winning his second title in this class.

Congratulations to you both, and good luck for next year when you will hopefully be able to compete in a full season!