Information, inspiration: Community celebrates revamped Halls Gap Hub
Published on 19 November 2024
Picture, right: Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop officially reopens Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre following a $130,000 redevelopment.
Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre is now better equipped to help visitors explore all the northern Grampians region has to offer following a $130,000 upgrade.
Northern Grampians Shire Council mayor Karen Hyslop officially reopened the VIC – part of Halls Gap Hub – at a community celebration on Friday night.
The redevelopment was completed over five weeks and involved a refreshed floor plan; engaging graphics and signs incorporating Discover Northern Grampians branding; new furniture; and advanced information technology systems.
The project was funded by a $50,000 Victorian Government Tiny Towns Fund grant and $80,000 from the council.
“To both the Victorian Government and Northern Grampians Shire Council, thank you for your vision and your commitment to Halls Gap and the wider Northern Grampians Shire community,” Cr Hyslop said.
Halls Gap is at the heart of the Grampians, a key tourism region in western Victoria.
Halls Gap VIC is the only Victorian Tourism Industry Council – VTIC – accredited centre in Northern Grampians Shire and helps more than 60,000 visitors discover the beauty and culture of the region each year.
Cr Hyslop said the 2018 Grampians Region Visitor Servicing Review highlighted the need for a more efficient, modernised visitor centre, noting the challenges of long queues and limited visitor engagement.
“By transforming the hub from a traditional information centre into an inspiration hub, we’re able to give visitors a more meaningful experience – one that connects them deeply with the Grampians and encourages them to explore even more of what our region offers,” she said.
“With curated zones, we’ll be able to encourage visitors to travel beyond the well-known Grampians National Park to lesser-known treasures.
“By guiding people to explore both the Grampians and broader Wimmera and Mallee regions, we’re creating economic opportunities that support our local businesses and drive job creation right here in our community.”
Cr Hyslop said the council hoped the hub – which also includes a community hall and meeting room, historical society and neighbourhood house – would continue to evolve as a central point for community connection, information, relief and recovery.
“In times of crisis, this facility will be a lifeline for the community, a place for critical support and comfort,” she said.
“We encourage as much community use of this hub as possible. After all, wonderful places are created by locals and enjoyed by visitors. Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant Halls Gap and wider region.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality.”
Representatives from Regional Development Victoria and Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism also attended the grand reopening.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney congratulated the council on creating a visitor centre where Halls Gap locals and visitors were connected and better supported to explore the region, thanks to support from the Tiny Towns Fund.
“Halls Gap is a beautiful place to visit in regional Victoria, and we’re so pleased to see how our investment has backed the evolution of its visitor hub to boost visitation and support the local tourism economy,” Minister Tierney said.