Orbost Arts Centre is seeking recurrent shire funding and needs the community’s support.
This popular community hub is calling on residents and supporters to submit letters of support in response to the East Gippsland Shire’s Draft Budget 2025/26.
This is one of the venues central to Orbost’s tourism and cultural life.
The Orbost Arts Centre was originally built by local woodworkers, standing as a testament to the area’s homegrown hardwoods.
The centre opens daily and supports a wide range of creative programming including art exhibitions, community workshops, musical performances and events – all run by dedicated staff and volunteers.
The centre needs to secure four years of financial support to allow the centre to plan future exhibitions, secure employment for its two employees, attract tourists, host the bi-annual National Wood Design Exhibition and house the prestigious National Collection of Wood Design.
“If it is successful, this recurrent funding would mark a significant milestone for the arts centre, as it has only received nominal shire support, for the first time in decades, in 2024,” Orbost Arts Centre treasurer, Helen Hurle said.
“There has been a suggestion from a shire officer that the Slab Hut may be closed, with visitor services being relocated to the arts centre.
“While both committees oppose this idea, emphasising the individual purposes and strengths of each site, for community and tourism alike, they independently support each other’s endeavours.
“We urge the public to voice their support for the proposed funding of both separate organisations.”
Support letters, or feedback comments, need to be submitted to East Gippsland Shire Council (details at the Snowy River Mail office) by May 21 2025.
