The Orbost Exhibition Centre (OEC) is at a critical crossroads.
As a community-run not-for-profit organisation celebrating its 20th anniversary this October, the centre is also facing the reality that without new leadership and a financial commitment to organisational development, its future is bleak.
“Over the past two years an active committee has demonstrated the local and regional impact of the Orbost Exhibition Centre as a vital cultural hub, doubling payments to local artists, securing more than $90,000 in grant funding to upgrade the facility, increasing our opening hours by 38 per cent – or an extra 164 days per year, and welcoming more than 5000 visitors from across Australia in the past financial year alone,” outgoing chair of the organisation, Eleni McIlroy, said.
“There is more to be done, but a tried and tested roadmap is in place to make the organisation financially sustainable.”
The first issue the Orbost Exhibition Centre is facing is no nominations for new committee members.
Without a new committee the organisation will be forced to vote on a Special Motion at the annual general meeting on October 8 to wind up and close the organisation.
In this event the building would return to council in April 2025 and would be closed and empty, with no plans for its future use and no operator.
The second issue is a lack of funding to take the pressure off volunteers, which is leading to burnout and organisational collapse.
For more than three years various committees have been in conversation and advocating with East Gippsland Shire Council.
Last January an interim commitment for operational costs was made to give council the time to resolve their internal position and plan.
That time is coming to an end, and no plan for a resolution has yet been commenced.
Without a financial contribution from council some State funding programs are not available to the OEC.
“The committee has prepared, on council’s request, a Strategic Plan and Business Plan and have based advocacy about funds needed on these plans – which identify a 3-5 year commitment being needed which will enable the organisation to be financially viable by the end of the financial commitment,” Ms McIlroy said.
“For the past two years, the committee has demonstrated these plans are working.
“The committee has also requested to renegotiate the commercial lease, which the organisation does not have the funds to comply with, and council do not appear to have the resourcing to comply with, making the lease not fit-for-purpose for either party.
“Major building maintenance issues which present risks to visitors and Forest Park users remain unresolved two years after being first reported, again with no communication or plan to resolve from council.
“The considerable onus on volunteer committee members has taken its toll, and a commitment to resolutions is needed from East Gippsland Shire Council, and a new committee is needed that is ready and able to continue funding advocacy while improving the organisation’s financial situation.”
The annual general meeting is scheduled for 5.30pm on October 8.
Information about how to support the Orbost Exhibition Centre is available on the website, including membership, upcoming events and how to nominate to join the committee.
Members can also pick a nomination form for committee positions up from the building during opening hours.
As outgoing chair, Ms McIlroy has pleaded on behalf of the committee and members.
“This council election your vote is powerful – let councillors know that the Orbost Exhibition Centre needs the support that has been promised, but still not delivered, over the past three years,” she said.
If not, the 20th anniversary gala event celebration on October 5 may be the last anniversary the organisation celebrates.
