Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Wednesday, 24 April, 2024. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Wednesday 24th of April, 2024,
Greater Shepparton City Council has agreed to enter into a lease with the Minister of Education on behalf of the Department of Education’s Victorian School Building Authority, for the Westside Performing Arts Centre in Mooroopna, with the decision voted upon at the April Council meeting on Tuesday.
In summary:
A draft lease has been negotiated between Council and the Department of Education for the Westside Performing Arts Centre, with the lease set at a peppercorn rent of $1 per year for twenty years, with an option for an additional ten year term.
Riverlinks Westside, as it is also known as, is situated on the site of the former Greater Shepparton Secondary College Mooroopna Campus, and prior to that the Mooroopna Secondary College. The venue is used frequently by the community, both as patrons and as performers on the stage, including local schools, dance schools and amateur theatre companies.
Riverlinks has managed the site since the early 2000’s, ensuring to program content from a range of big companies that include The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, Bell Shakespeare, Melbourne Theatre Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Short Black Opera Company and many more, bringing the experience of big city performing arts to the regions. Commercial promoters also form a large part of the venues usage as they hire the space to present a wide variety of arts and entertainment, attracting visitors to the region which in turn, provides a positive economic boost.
Riverlinks is excited about the lease as it will enable them to greater guide and advocate for more capital improvements of the venue and its surrounds.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said securing a long-term future for the Westside facility was extremely important, particularly because it is a valuable asset for the community.
“The long-term lease is not only great news for the community of Mooroopna, but for the region as a whole. In the current 2023/2024 financial year, there are 46 separate events booked at Westside. These performances draw people together and contribute to the resilience and strength of the community,” he said.
“The contribution of the Westside Performing Arts Centre to the local economy is significant and this lease ensures much needed repairs and investment into the facility.”
More News from Greater Shepparton
Tuesday 14th of October,
Council awards contract for construction of new Cosgrove Landfill Cell
Greater Shepparton City Council has awarded the construction contract for the next landfill cell at Cosgrove Three, securing future waste disposal capacity and supporting sustainable waste management across the region. Read more
Monday 13th of October,
Greater Shepparton secures back-to-back Australian Junior Motocross Championships
Greater Shepparton City Council, in partnership with the Goulburn Valley Junior Motorcycle Club, is proud to announce it has been selected to host the Australian Junior Motocross Championships in both 2026 and 2027. Read more
Thursday 9th of October,
Council urges community to have their say on VicGrid’s Renewable Energy Zone proposal
The Victorian Government, through VicGrid, has released its Victorian Transmission Plan, identifying several Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) across the state, in areas it considers most suitable for future solar and wind farm development. Read more
Friday 3rd of October,
Make your next career move at Council’s Early Years Recruitment Day
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to announce its third Empowering Early Years Recruitment Day, designed to connect passionate people with rewarding careers in early childhood education. Read more
Thursday 2nd of October,
Greater Shepparton to host 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference
Greater Shepparton is proud to be announced as the host city for the 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference. Read more
Wednesday 1st of October,
Nominations now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards
Greater Shepparton City Council invites individuals, community groups, and organisations to nominate local residents who have made a significant contribution this year, demonstrated outstanding service to the community, or positively impacted Greater… Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Sunday 12th of October, – to Sunday 9th of November,
Carnival Glass and T&C Clark & Co Cast Iron Exhibition
The Merrigum Historical Society is proudly supporting Seniors Month and History Month. We are featuring an exhibition of Carnival Glass and T&C Clark & Co Cast Iron. Read more
Wednesday 15th of October,
Puff Walk
Let’s walk and talk. Read more
Thursday 16th of October,
CrAfter Dark at Shepparton Library - Felt Drawstring Pouch
Enjoy some craft, coffee and cake - After Dark at Shepparton Library! Read more
Saturday 18th of October, – to Friday 31st of October,
Disruption: An Immersive Art Experience
An innovative animated exhibition featuring the artwork and creativity of young locals, exploring themes of natural disasters and emergency responses through their own experiences. The exhibition will… Read more
Wednesday 15th of October,
Greater Shepparton City Council with Victorian Seniors Festival presents 2025 Seniors Festival Concert - Elvis & Marilyn Tribute Show -- with a Cultural Spectacular as well
View on Riverlinks
Wednesday 15th of October,
Craft & Coffee at Shepparton Library - Felt Drawstring Pouch
Join us for this free adult craft activity! Read more
See All Events