Benalla foreshore welcomes new visitor centre

25/09/2023

More locals and visitors can learn about north east Victoria’s history while enjoying Benalla’s lakeside, with Victorian Government support for a revamped museum space and cinema complementing the upgraded Benalla foreshore.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes represented Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing to officially open the Benalla Visitor Information Centre and Benalla Costume and Kelly Museum.  They were opened alongside Benalla's new cinema, which has been relocated and developed at the same site.

Both can be found inside the heritage building located on the banks of Lake Benalla and have been supported by a $500,000 Government investment. Located within walking distance to Benalla’s central business district, the existing museum was founded in 1967 and is the only public costume museum of its kind in Victoria.

The costume museum already attracts thousands of visitors each year and plays an important role in encouraging people to explore more and stay longer in the Hume region.

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

Benalla’s Visitor Information Centre complements the broader Benalla foreshore upgrade and has been supported by a $2 million Victorian Government investment. The foreshore development features a new 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 now new toilet amenities and change facilities for the Splash Park along with an access path from Mair Street to the Splash Park and links to the Benalla Lake Trail.

Government is also backing the Benalla Art Gallery upgrade with a $3 million investment. Works will begin on the upgrade next month, delivering an improved gallery space, café and new storage facility.

Benalla’s rejuvenation is all part of the Victorian Government’s record investment of more than $41 billion across rural and regional Victoria since 2015.