A new “open house” festival has been announced for the Latrobe region of Gippsland in Victoria’s south-east, with visitors invited to explore the area’s significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes.
A collaboration between Open House Melbourne and Latrobe City Council, the first-ever Open House Latrobe event will take place on the weekend of 9–11 October across the suburbs of Moe, Traralgon, Morwell, Yallourn, Yallourn North, Yinnar and Churchill, building upon previous special regional events hosted by Open House Melbourne in Ballarat and Bendigo.
The program’s organisers have described Latrobe as “a region rich in First Nations’ history,” whose colonial development saw it transformed into “the coal mining and energy powerhouse for Victoria.”
Now, the area is “experiencing a period of significant change, driven by the change of jobs, community-led renewal and the transition of its energy sector,” a communique notes.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, councillor Sharon Gibson said, “Open House Latrobe is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the places, stories and communities that make our region unique.
“From industrial heritage sites and cultural institutions to civic spaces and natural landscapes, the program will bring to life the landmarks that have shaped our past and continue to influence our future.”
The festival’s architectural highlights includes a walking tour of Churchill, visiting key points in Best Overend’s and Grahame Shaw’s plans for the town; the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre by Peddle Thorp Architects; the Moe Rail Precinct Revitalisation by TCL, with later works by FJC Studio and Enlocus; Moe Library by FJC Studio; Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in Traralgon by Jackson Architecture and Katsieris Origami; Latrobe Regional Gallery by A.C. Leith and Associates, with later works by Williams Boag Architects, and Network for Advanced Architecture and Urbanism; and Morwell Innovation Centre by Williams Ross.
Open House Melbourne executive director and chief curator Dr Tania Davidge said, “Open House Latrobe will celebrate the places, stories and communities that make the Latrobe region unique.”
“Locals and visitors travelling to the region are invited to step inside remarkable buildings, explore significant places and enjoy experiences that will reveal the Latrobe region from a new perspective,” she said. “There’s something for everyone to discover.”
The program for Open House Latrobe can be accessed online, with tickets available from 9 September.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
