Wednesday, 26 August 2026

 Alison MARCHANT (Bellarine) (19:25): (1808) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Creative Industries, and the action I seek is for the minister to visit the Bellarine and also visit the Bellarine Arts Centre, previously known as the Potato Shed, in Drysdale – and no, they do not sell potatoes. I was at the Bellarine Arts Centre only a fortnight ago to see Bellarine Secondary College do their performance of High School Musical Jr, the school production. It was a great night. I saw the final show, and the students performed their hearts out. They were singing incredibly and dancing. We were all tapping our toes, and I thought the students from years 7 to 12 were so brave to be on the stage of the Bellarine Arts Centre. I just want to congratulate the main cast members: Nora, Keegan, Roxy, Cori, Lily, Izabella, Sadie, Leteisha, Darcy, Isla, Macy, Daisy, Sophia, Madelynn and Misha. And to the other actors, dancers, singers, backstage production crew and teachers supporting the students: well done. It had me singing We’re All in This Together all night. I could not get that out of my head.

The Bellarine community is growing, and with that growth there comes an increased demand for places, especially for the arts community, and for more than 25 years the Bellarine Arts Centre has been doing that. Since opening in 2001 the centre has become a much-loved cultural hub, but the reality is that the centre needs some love. It is an ageing facility, its spaces are limited and significant opportunities simply cannot be realised, and the City of Greater Geelong council is advocating for an ambitious redevelopment that would transform the Bellarine Arts Centre. This would create opportunities for local artists, performers and young people but also attract visitors to the Bellarine and support our local economy, our tourism economy and, as I have said, our creative arts. It would provide a place where a child could walk in for their first dance or a young person could discover a passion for music or theatre. We know that regional arts facilities can be more than just venues, though; they can be places of employment, education, tourism, connection and pride. With the Bellarine having such a strong creative community, I do believe we should be ambitious for this centre, and that is why I am asking the minister to visit the Bellarine and visit the Bellarine Arts Centre.