Shire of Ravensthorpe Cultural Precinct
The Shire of Ravensthorpe is pleased to announce the grand opening of the Ravensthorpe Cultural Precinct is on Monday 11 September 2023.
The stunning collection of timber buildings, crafted from 30 year old plantation stock and integrated with the new Shire of Ravensthorpe offices, ushers Ravensthorpe into the modern era.
Honorary Freeman of the Shire and former Shire President Ian Goldfinch was heavily involved in the project from the beginning and says this is a building the whole community can enjoy and be proud of.
“It came about because the old Ravensthorpe Shire offices were built in 1905 and didn’t have the room needed to service a Shire, and also because the community very much wanted to have a modern, cultural space,” Mr Goldfinch said.
It was in 2013 when the Ravensthorpe Community Resource Centre and the Ravensthorpe District Art Group developed plans for renovating their existing buildings. Those discussions led to a proposal to invite all community groups based around Jubilee Park to explore the possibility of a cultural precinct.
In June 2020, Ravensthorpe secured $5.27 million from the Federal Government's Building Better Regions Fund to initiate the development of the Ravensthorpe Cultural Precinct, kick-starting the planning and execution of the distinctive timber project for the main street.
Sustainability key aspect of build
Using timber for both the structure and facade offers the advantages of lightweight construction, fire resistance, and a sustainable material choice.
Mr Goldfinch says the use of Yellow Stringybark (Eucalyptus muelleriana), was important as Council wanted the build to reflect the Shire’s overarching objective of sustainability.
“Using native wood was important to us, so when we heard there was an old plantation out the back of Denmark with 30 year old stock that was wasn’t being used, we decided we’d take that timber and give it a purpose,” Mr Goldfinch said.
“And I think it is marvellous. The wood has really given us a very warm building. And it has been built for the future.”
History also on show
While the Ravensthorpe Cultural Precinct represents the future, Council is pleased connections to the region’s past have also been included, such as the tables made out of wood from the old Hopetoun jetty which are in the new Council Chamber.
New interpretive room
The inaugural unveiling of the new Shire of Ravensthorpe interpretive room will take place during the grand opening. Everyone in the community is encouraged to explore and engage with the interactive digital displays, which narrate the region's story. The Shire of Ravensthorpe expresses gratitude to Allkem for their complete funding of the interpretive room.
Timeline for Monday 11 September 2023
Timeline for Monday 11 September 2023
3.30pm: MC Geoff Fyfe opens the event, acknowledges dignitaries and invites Annie Dabb (Esperance) and Harley Coyne (Albany) for the Welcome
3.35pm: Joint Welcome to Country – Annie Dabb and Harley Coyne
3.40pm: Ravensthorpe Primary Choir sings Waltzing Matilda
3.45pm: MC introduces Ravensthorpe Historical Society president Andy Chapman to give a 5 min overview of the history of the site
3.50pm: MC calls on Shire President Keith Dunlop to give 5 min overview of project history
3.55pm: Shire President, Keith Dunlop calls on Honorary Freeman of the Shire and former Shire President, Ian Goldfinch. Together they do the Ribbon Cutting/plaque unveiling/ building officially opened
4.00pm: MC – Formalities conclude, afternoon tea and live music by musician Paige Valentine until 5pm
Guests are also invited to take a tour to view recent upgrades to the Ravensthorpe Community Centre, and the Dunnart Gallery Memory Lane Exhibition will also be open.
And at 5pm, the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show will be officially opened at the Ravensthorpe Town Hall.