A PASSIONATE group of former teachers and pupils of the former Wonthaggi Secondary and Technical Schools joined local residents at Wishart Reserve to call for funding to develop an arts and community space on the abandoned site.
Local resident Ross Farnell said a picnic had been organised opposite the school because the site had laid vacant for six years.
“Something needs to happen,” Mr Farnell said.
“It’s such a wonderful spot.”
The gathering supported connecting the community with creative spaces.
“It’s a really big site and could have other community muses,” said Ross.
“We just want something to happen in one of the last locations in the CBD.”
Aissa Reed said it would be a wonderful initiative not only for artists but also for the whole community.
“It’s an underutilised space,” said Mrs Reed.
Former Secondary School teacher Marie Gullock said she would love to see a gallery and artists studio more than a residential development.
“I want it to have a community focus; to preserve it would be wonderful.”
Ms Gullock said there were quite a few outstanding artists from the school who were shortlisted in graphic and visual arts for an exhibition at the National Gallery.
Paul Satchell said it was the perfect place for a regional gallery and library.
“Similar to the Bendigo Art Gallery, which has generated $113 million into the local economy since 2012,” said Mr Satchell.
“You’ll never get international exhibitions unless you have a proper display space.”
Wonthaggi could be on the list for the touring Archibald Prize, according to Mr Satchell.
“The Marilyn Monroe exhibition at the Bendigo Gallery generated $13 million for the City of Bendigo.
“Wonthaggi already has the Robert Smith collection, which needs a permanent home.”
Bass Coast Cr Mat Morgan said, as we head into a state election, to win the seat of Bass, funding will be needed toward public infrastructure.
“The last thing we want to see is this beautiful building left to waste.”
“State and federal governments should fund the thing,” said Cr Morgan.
Among the suggested uses for the site were artist studios, a sound and media lab, spaces for learning and sharing, a café, bar and marketplace and creative businesses.
“The longer we delay, the less useful the existing buildings will be and the less likely something will happen in the short term,” said Mrs Reed.
Bass Coast Shire Council has committed $350,000 in its 2025-26 budget for due diligence and to develop a feasibility study to put to the State Government.
The Shire has undertaken to update progress on the Engage Bass Coast website.
