$48,000 upgrade for Wonthaggi arts centre

A brand-new floating timber floor was recently unveiled at Wonthaggi’s State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre.

The floor will improve both safety and accessibility for community groups that make use of the historic building.

Minister for Rural and Regional Development Michaela Settle joined Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale, Labor Candidate for Bass Chris Buckingham and members of the arts centre community on Wednesday, August 19, to officially celebrate the completion of the project.

The visit included a dance performance from local groups, giving attendees a first-hand example of some of the activities that will benefit from the newly improved space.

More than $48,000 was provided by the Victorian Government to replace the centre’s previous flooring with a new floating wooden floor designed to improve safety for users of all ages and abilities.

Arts Centre President Wendy Crellin OAM said the “Safe Steps” floor was one of the most significant projects undertaken at the Rescue Station.

“It was designed in collaboration with Heritage Victoria to help preserve the building’s heritage,” Ms Crellin said.

“The floor supports a wide range of activities, particularly our dance classes. These classes promote physical and mental wellbeing and provide senior people with a valuable opportunity for social connection and networking.”

The Rescue Station Arts Centre currently provides a home for many different activities, including exhibitions, art classes, creative wellbeing programs, music lessons and ballet barre classes.

Its ‘Ballet Barre for Seniors Program’ has become increasingly popular, as the program encourages and helps older residents stay active and mobile, while simultaneously presenting an opportunity to connect with others.

Ms Settle said community and arts centres contributed significantly to the health and happiness of regional communities.

“It’s wonderful to see these upgrades supporting so many community activities and helping residents to thrive,” she said.

Ms Crugnale said the new floor would mean residents could keep taking part in the programs they enjoyed in a safe space.

“The Living Local Fund is one of our Labor signature programs that promotes social connections as it enhances the places and spaces we love and cherish in our community,” she said.

“Congratulations to the amazing volunteer committee and the extraordinary work they do offering such an array of activities and programs at the Rescue Station.”

The flooring project follows an earlier $50,000 State Government investment in the centre, which was used to improve accessibility and privacy, as well as help expand the number of programs available to the community.