The Weekly Advertiser - Wednesday, January 13, 2016

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Vol. Vol. 18 18 No. No. 27 27

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Wednesday, Wednesday, January January 13, 13, 2016 2016

MEDALS FOR CFA STALWARTS

SUMMER FUN: Cousins make the most of warm Wimmera days by cooling off at Lake Marma, Murtoa. Lloyd Baker, front, hams it up in front of, from left, Caitlin Baker, of Perth, Will Coutts, Murtoa, Emma Baker, Perth, and Noah Coutts, Murtoa. Picture: ROSS BARLOW

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feature PAGES 18-19

Arts hub opening act T

BY SARAH SCULLY

hree weeks of activities starting on January 29 will celebrate the opening of Horsham’s new town hall and regional art gallery redevelopment.

The official opening of Horsham’s biggest building project in decades will be at a civic reception on February 12. Horsham Regional Art Gallery will kick off proceedings on January 29 by presenting a suite of exhibitions from its permanent collection. Construction of the project, which cost about $20 million, started in February 2014 and includes a hall, 500seat theatre and art gallery exhibition space and collection storage. The gallery moved to Jubilee Hall in 2009 following announcements the

IN THIS ISSUE

federal and state governments would each contribute $5 million to redevelop Horsham Town Hall to co-locate the city’s performing and visual arts. Marketing and box office co-ordinator Charee Smith said staff had been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the opening period and lock-in an events program for the remainder of the year. “We haven’t stopped over the Christmas period, working on organising events and completing the program for the season,” she said. “We’ve also got people learning how to use the new sound and lighting systems so everyone is up to speed and ready to go by the end of the month.” Horsham Country Music Festival will present the first performance in the new theatre on January 31, raising

money for Wimmera Cancer Centre. On February 5, Horsham Arts Council will present its 50th anniversary spectacular, while Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham branch will host a black tie ball on February 13. There will also be children’s activities, education sessions for students, public tours and a pop-up market throughout the opening period. “We’ve just released the brochure for our first season, which is being distributed now,” Ms Smith said. “We have 19 shows booked for the town hall and Wesley Performing Arts Centre, including performances from big names such as Melbourne Ballet Company, Circus Oz and Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. “Having the Melbourne Interna-

tional Comedy Festival Roadshow at Wesley in June means there are even more opportunities to join in the fun. “There are some great drawcards and so many varied events and performances – there is something for everyone.” Ms Smith said she and venue manager Joy Cowie were thrilled by the amount of interest in the venue. “Some big name companies have contacted us to ask about availability and a lot are trying to build their tours to include Horsham,” she said. “We’re really excited by the enthusiasm from people wanting to use the building. It’s great to see so many people wanting to come here.” Ms Smith said organisers were in the process of building a pool of volunteers for the new venue.

• Horsham harness track upgrade • Rural women gather at Hopetoun

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“We need more than 80 volunteers to help out in the evenings and on weekends,” she said. “If there is a show, we will need ushers and people looking after patron safety, as well as having people help out around the box office and in the art gallery. “There is a great incentive scheme, where volunteers will earn points depending on how many shifts they do, which will allow them to see a show of choice for free throughout the year.” Ms Smith said volunteer training would start tomorrow. She said people could visit www. horshamtownhall.com.au to learn more about volunteering opportunities, as well as events, exhibitions and performances planned for 2016.

• Ararat chalk art Source: AMAA; CAB Total Distribution Audit for further information visit www.auditedmedia.org.au


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