Creative Station Project Gets Underway
The future of the northern end of our iconic Maryborough Railway Station is bright – with a project to activate the creative space and courtyard now underway.
Earlier this week the first meeting of our newly formed Creative Station Co-Design Group was held – with the group coming together to help inform the future of the space.
Made up of ten community members representing a diverse range of creative backgrounds – the group will advise Council to develop a six-month pilot program and ongoing model for the space.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Councillor Grace La Vella said the activation of the creative space and courtyard is part of a long-term plan Council has been delivering on for the Maryborough Railway Station.
“With the support of the State Government, in 2023 we were able to redevelop the Visitor Centre as well as a basic upgrade of the Creative Space and Courtyard at the northern end of the platform in readiness for this next chapter.
“The level of external grants that Council has been able to attract to vastly improve the infrastructure and bring to life the iconic station for the benefit of tourism and our local community, is outstanding and our officers have put in an extraordinary effort to achieve this.
“The south end of the Station is really buzzing now with VLine, The Station Café Restaurant and Bar and the Visitor Centre. Our focus is now on activating the northern end of the precinct – specifically the Creative Space and Courtyard.
“For both tourists, local creatives and the broader community, activating this Creative Space will bolster the whole Station. With the huge verandah over the platform, and so many wonderful events and activities over the years, it makes sense to have a place where creatives, community and visitors can come together right there.
“I’m very excited about the pilot program, given the diverse range of creative talent who have joined our Co-Design Group and represent the breadth of our creative community – from music and the performing arts to visual arts, filmmaking and writing.”
Central Goldfields Shire Manager Tourism, Events and Culture Rosalie Hastwell said thanks to Victorian Government funding a project officer had been appointed to help bring the northern end of the Station to life.
“Our experienced project officer has hit the ground running and through an expression of interest process has established the Creative Station Co-Design Group.
“This group will support us to create a space that our community wants and needs and will play a key role in establishing the Space’s identity and ongoing programming.
“We thank each of the Co-Design Group members who have generously signed on to share their skills, knowledge and experiences to help shape the future of the space.
“We look forward to seeing the north end of the Station brought to life!”
The project will be complemented with flexible infrastructure supporting a wide array of creative activity thanks to the Victorian Government’s Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program. This will enable a wide range of creative events, performances, workshops and other activities to be held in the space.
https://www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/Whats-Happening/Latest-News/Media-Releases/Creative-Station-project-gets-underway