Mallacoota celebrated a major milestone in its bushfire recovery this week with the official opening of three significant local projects – the Maurice Avenue streetscape upgrade, the Mudbrick Pavilion upgrade, and the Mallacoota Hall redevelopment.
Delivered by East Gippsland Shire Council with support from the Australian and Victorian governments, the projects mark an important step forward in the town’s recovery and resilience following the 2019-20 bushfires.
Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone, said the projects reflect the East Gippsland community’s strength and determination to rebuild after the Black Summer bushfires.
“Upgrades to the Maurice Avenue streetscape, the Mudbrick Pavilion and the Mallacoota Hall are key investments for the town, its people and the wider East Gippsland community,” Senator Ciccone said.
“Mallacoota’s bushfire recovery has made strong progress, and the Australian Government is pleased to play a part in supporting the community’s resilience and future.”
Each project was developed in partnership with the Mallacoota and District Recovery Association (MADRA), the Mallacoota Hall and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and other community representatives to ensure they reflected local needs and priorities identified through the community’s recovery process.
Cr Arthur Allen spoke at the event, noting that the completion of the three projects represented a genuine community effort and a lasting investment in Mallacoota’s future.
“These projects were part of the long-term recovery following the 2019–20 bushfires,” Cr Allen said.
“They have not only supported the town’s recovery but also strengthened its resilience, providing infrastructure and facilities that help the community be better prepared for the future.”
The Maurice Avenue streetscape works have transformed the heart of town, with safer raised crossings, around 250 metres of new footpath, new street furniture, more trees, native gardens and additional parking.
“The works have really lifted the look and feel of the place. We worked with the community to achieve a town centre that is safer, easier to get around and more welcoming,” Cr Allen said.
The project was jointly funded by the Australian Government, through the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund, and Council’s own capital works program.
A much-loved local landmark, the Mudbrick Pavilion has served the community for more than
50 years.
Its upgrade includes a new commercial kitchen, all-abilities toilet, refurbished stage, improved storage and a new studio space.
Funding was provided through the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, in partnership with East Gippsland
Shire Council.
The Mallacoota Hall, which played a crucial role during the bushfires, has also been redeveloped to make it more functional, accessible and better equipped for the future. Upgrades include a new entry, improved kitchen, more storage, and modern change rooms and toilets. A lift and ramps have also been added to ensure full accessibility.
“This hall has long been a hub for local sport, meetings, celebrations and fundraisers. It’s great to see it upgraded so that more people can enjoy it,” Cr Allen said.
The upgrades were funded through Emergency Recovery Victoria’s Local Economic Recovery Program.
The program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victoria under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. The project was also supported by council.
Cr Allen thanked all funding partners – the Australian and Victorian governments; Emergency Recovery Victoria; the National Emergency Management Agency; and the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources – along with Council staff, contractors, and the Mallacoota community for their dedication and patience throughout the planning and construction.
“When you look at all three projects together, it’s an investment in Mallacoota’s future – in
the people, the businesses, and
the strength of this town,” Cr Allen said.
