One of the Western District’s most well-known landmarks now has its own visitor centre after many years of community-driven work.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Mount Elephant Centre was officially unveiled at Derrinallum on Sunday and community management committee member Lesley Brown said it capped off plenty of hard work.
The community took ownership of Mount Elephant about 16 years ago and has been rehabilitating the precinct and opening it to the public.
“The mount had suffered from two bushfires, overgrazing and rabbit and weed plagues. Some said we wouldn’t be able to control these – but with persistence and using many control methods we have been able to,” Ms Brown said at the opening.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green officially opened the centre, which is located at the base of the peak on the floor of the old quarry.
It will not only provide shelter for visitors, but also showcase displays and spectacular views of the mount for those who can’t make the trek to the top. The sustainable building has a modern design and will serve as a tourism centre, as well as a community meeting space.
New interpretive signage highlights the local indigenous and settler history as well as information on the natural environment. It is also hoped the centre will provide an education and research space for school and university groups.
Ms Brown paid tribute to former resident of the area Jack Borbidge for his contribution that allowed funding to be secured for the development, as well as the local committee and architect Jakob Kelly.
“Our committee, Mount Elephant community management, have worked together to apply for funding, completed business plans and everything else needed to secure the matching funding for the centre. We were not always successful, but kept persevering until we have the result we have today,” she said.
“It has been a privilege to be a part of this project working with our committee the community and funding bodies to reach this stage and I look forward to the next stages of our project.”
Ms Green said the project, worth $625,000, would improve visitor experience and attract more people to the region.
“The Victorian government is proud to be supporting the Mount Elephant Centre project, which is a true community initiative,” she said.
“Local residents of Derrinallum identified what needed to be improved and worked together to drive the change.”