Thursday, 2 May 2024

Warrandyte Mechanics Institute and Arts Association

Nicole WERNER (Warrandyte) (17:18): (635) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Creative Industries, and the action that I seek is for the minister to fund urgent repairs and save Warrandyte community pottery. The pottery studio was once a fire station, built in the early 1900s to protect the community, and it was later converted into a pottery studio. Warrandyte community pottery holds a cherished place in the hearts of many as a hub of creativity, connection and community spirit. Its inclusive ethos welcomes all, fostering social wellbeing and providing a vital space for artistic expression. The pottery studio has over the years produced many projects, from a range of letterboxes for victims of the Kinglake bushfires and, more recently, a birdbath for a garden at a palliative care facility. Warrandyte community pottery provides significant benefits to our community. To quote one testimonial:

… my wife Corinne … suffered a severe hit to her head resulting in an Acquired Brain Injury … our neighbour ‍… reached out and suggested that Corinne come along to the Warrandyte pottery group for some social interaction and art therapy …

This group offered a friendly, encouraging and welcoming place for Corinne to participate. It helped her enormously in her rehabilitation back to reconnecting with society … As Corinne was unable to drive at the time, this became her main group to feel a connection with, which certainly helped her to keep her spirits up during some hard times. Unfortunately, a few years ago Corinne was diagnosed with breast cancer. This group kept her included in what was happening and in on-line group chats … It was so important to her mental health and emotional well-being.

However, this is all under threat. In 2022 serious termite damage was detected, and in a subsequent survey the damage was found to be extensive and involves some safety-critical elements of the building. I am with this group tomorrow night, and this group, the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute and Arts Association, has put together a detailed plan to save the pottery studio. I hope the minister listens to their concerns and saves this critical space in our community.