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| Fraser Coast Cultural Centre |
The Fraser Coast has a new tourism and cultural heart
following the official opening of a new $4.9 million centre in Hervey Bay today
by Tourism Fraser Coast and Fraser Coast Regional Council.
Providing a cutting-edge showpiece for the region, the
Fraser Coast Cultural Centre offers a contemporary and dynamic venue where the
destination's unique environmental and cultural assets can be discovered,
embraced and celebrated by all ages.
An all-weather venue for tourists and local residents,
the Cultural Centre incorporates the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery and a brand
new interpretive centre, the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere, where visitors can
immerse themselves in the world of the humpback whale, be inspired by the
uniqueness of Fraser Island and discover the outstanding beauty and diversity
of the Great Sandy Biosphere.
Tourism Fraser Coast General Manager Pip Close said the
opening of the centre was an exciting day for Fraser Coast tourism, bringing
the flavour and feel of the region's diverse, world-class natural offerings
under the one roof for the first time.
"No trip to the Fraser Coast will be complete
without visiting this marvelous facility designed to inspire people of all ages
to broaden their knowledge of the environment,'' Ms Close said.
"The centre will be a one-stop-shop for people
looking to maximise their Fraser Coast holiday experience, providing the
perfect starting point for their own journeys of adventure, exploration and
discovery,'' Ms Close said.
"It will also provide a new mechanism for promoting,
developing and enhancing the local tourism industry as well as giving operators
the opportunity to reach out to new audiences,'' she said.
Among the features of the Discovery Sphere is an
immersive 'underwater encounter' with humpback whales and a full sized
reproduction of a whale skeleton.
A theatre experience allows visitors to imagine a world
beyond the stunning, extraordinary imagery of Fraser Island and Great Sandy
Strait.
Children can get hands-on with natural discovery
activities and interactive challenges.
Interpretive panels and interactive displays also explore
the rare and endangered marine life of the Mary River and the origins of the
Macadamia Nut.
The dreamtime legends of the Butchulla People are woven
throughout the displays, explaining and celebrating the Aboriginal stories and
traditions handed down over thousands of years.
An information kiosk and gift store provides visitors
will information, trails and brochures to continue their Fraser Coast
experience and the chance to purchase unique locally made keepsakes and
regional produce.
There is also a multimedia theatre for short feature
films, travelling exhibitions, workshops, lectures, conferences and performances.
Adjacent the Discovery Sphere, visitors can enjoy the
cultural richness of the Fraser Coast at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, a
Category A rated exhibition venue.
The state-of-the-art public gallery showcases the
creative talents of local artists as well as artworks and artifacts on tour
from major galleries and museums across the country.
Outside the Cultural Centre, visitors can relax in the
courtyard featuring stunning public art, including a giant sculpture of a
breaching humpback whale.
The Fraser Coast Cultural Centre is located at 166 Old
Maryborough Road, Pialba, Hervey Bay. It is open seven days a week from 10am to
4pm, every day of the year except Christmas Day.
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