The Orbost Rainforest Centre on the corner of Lochiel and Browning Streets was created in the 1990s to showcase and provide an interpretive centre for the rainforests of East Gippsland.
Originally built and operated by Parks Victoria with paid staff to run the centre and manage the plantings, the area was given back to the community by DELWP in 2006, made a Crown Land Reserve and a local volunteer committee of management appointed to look after it.
The current committee of management reaches the end of its current three-year term in November and community members are encouraged to consider nominating for the committee.
For some of the existing committee members, this will be their last term and it is a great time for new people to come on board.
Over the years the building, originally an interpretive centre with displays and audio visual presentation has been used for a variety of purposes, most recently as the Orbost Neighbourhood House, while the planted forest around the building has also changed and grown.
From its original purpose as a curated, irrigated and managed arboretum with specimens of East Gippsland’s forest plants, it has evolved through necessity into a self regenerating dry rainforest site, now dominated by sweet pittosporum and other hardier species.
The original timber decks and walkways have been repaired and updated as required.
The forest with its pathways linking to town, and the unique architecturally designed building are assets for the community.
Being a part of the committee of management is an opportunity to help direct how the community may best benefit from this asset.
For details about how to nominate for this committee please see Public Notices in this publication.
