The wait is over as Benalla's new visitor centre and cinema welcomes first guests

State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes officially opened the facility alongside Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn.

Before that, Benalla’s Flexible Learning Centre was on hand with its coffee van to welcome attendees before proud Yorta Yorta woman Nikki James performed a smoking ceremony.

The opening had several Aboriginal elements, with artwork curated by Benalla Art Gallery Director Eric Nash, including two maps of Indigenous Australia.

Yorta Yorta elder Aunty Cheryl Cooper also spoke about a patchwork quilt created by local Aboriginal women, which was displayed for the opening.

The project was jointly funded by a Victorian Government of $500,000 and Benalla Rural City Council.

Cr Hearn welcomed attendees, including Ms Symes and Councillors King, Claridge, Davis, Firth and O’Brien.

“Our vision was to create a venue with the best views of Benalla, and I think we’ve achieved that”, Cr Hearn said.

“You can see our wonderful lake, our renowned art gallery, the beautiful botanical gardens, the wonderful showgrounds and the Lake Foreshore Precinct.”

Located within walking distance of Benalla’s CBD, the existing museum was founded in 1967 and is the only public costume museum of its kind in Victoria.

The costume museum attracts thousands of visitors annually and plays a vital role in encouraging people to explore more and stay longer in the Rose City.

The makeover included a new fit-out for the display space of Ned Kelly’s sash and prison cell and a range of other historic memorabilia.

The new 64-seat cinema has been developed at the site and screened its first film on the day.

A $2 million Victorian Government investment supported the foreshore upgrade, complementing the Visitor Information Centre.

The foreshore development features a climbing boulder playground, seating, lighting and car parking.

These projects build on the completed Benalla Splash Park, which includes fountains, water jets and a family-friendly area, along with an all-ages and abilities playground.

There are also new toilet amenities and change facilities for the Splash Park, an access path from Mair St and links to the Lake Benalla trail.

Cr Hearn said plans for the redevelopment of the information centre commenced 15 years ago.

“And the concept of this building and its future use started four years ago last month, she said.

“So we’ve done really well to get to where we are now.”

Ms Symes said she’s a proud local and tells everyone she meets she’s from Benalla.

“There is now so much to see and do in our region, so much heritage and history, and there’s no better place to start than right here at the Visitor Information Centre.

“It’s where people come and find out what they should be doing. It’s staffed by friendly, professional people, often volunteers who are well-trained and have extensive knowledge and passion.

“It’s great that you now have such a beautiful facility to work out of.

“This modern centre, revitalised heritage museum, and the cinema and dining spaces will offer more experiences for locals and visitors while they enjoy overlooking Lake Benalla – and we are delighted to back these projects.”

The Victorian Government is also backing the Benalla Art Gallery upgrade with a $3 million investment.

Works will begin in October 2023, delivering an improved gallery space, cafe and new storage facility.

The facility will be open Monday - Friday from 9am until the end of the last cinema screening. On weekends it will be open from 10am until the final screening in the cinema ends.

The Visitor Information Centre will be open Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm and on weekends from 10am to 4pm.