Celebrating a centenary with a spruce up
Published on 28 June 2024
Mortlake’s much loved Montgomery Pavilion will be given a spruce up just in time for its 100th birthday later this year.
The project is one of four that will be completed thanks to funding from the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund with Council successfully applying for $93,785 for projects in Mortlake, Koroit, Port Fairy and Nirranda.
Deputy Mayor Cr Karen Foster said $18,485 from the state government and a further $8,000 from Council would ensure the Montgomery Pavilion would remain a popular space for the community to gather.
“The Pavilion was built in 1924 using a 500-pound bequest from businessman and Mortlake Shire Councillor Thomas Montgomery,” she said.
“The late Mr Montgomery had loved the gardens where the pavilion now sits and had helped transform them from a swamp into the beautiful parklands which are there now.
“It has been a popular and central meeting place for generations, but it needs a bit of TLC so thanks to this funding we will be able to do that to ensure it is looking it’s best ahead of a planned centenary celebration later this year.”
Cr Foster said the Koroit Theatre had received $28,615 from the fund and with $6,300 from Council and $3000 from the Theatre Committee, would be used to develop a business case for upgrades.
“The theatre is much loved and well used – so a business case for upgrades to sound, vision and lighting equipment will be developed to direct future investments.
“It will also look at how we might be able to better use the space to make it even better for the community.”
Port Fairy’s Railway Place will get an electrical upgrade thanks to $22,368 from the government and $7,300 from Council.
“We’ve seen what a great space the Goods Shed is for community events, so upgrading the electrical infrastructure will make it that much easier to host live music and other events without needing to hire generators,” Cr Foster said.
The Nirranda Recreation Reserve’s future will also be mapped out with a Masterplan, using $24,317 from the grant funding and $5,000 from Council.
“The recreation reserve is an important meeting place for the community, so the plan will look at existing and possible future uses and highlight the priorities for investment in the facilities over the next 10-15 years,” Cr Foster said.
“We thank the State Government for these funds and are thrilled we were successful in all four of our applications.
“These are important projects all focused on much-loved and well-utilised community spaces and will ensure they remain that way for years to come.”