Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Excitement is mounting in La Trobe, with the opening this weekend of Bunjil Place, which is a fantastic new arts, culture, leisure and entertainment precinct on the edge of my electorate. Bunjil Place will be the first facility of its kind in Australia, bringing together creative entertainment and community in a way that is unparalleled anywhere else in the country. This art precinct will offer a variety of exciting entertainment activities for visitors, such as comedy acts, orchestras and theatrical performances.

I'm very proud to report that the federal government has contributed $10 million towards the overall cost of $125 million for this landmark project. Covering almost 25,000 square metres, Bunjil Place will feature a diverse mix of facilities all in one place, including an 800-seat theatre with a full fly tower and orchestra pit, which will be suitable for theatre, musical recitals, ballet and opera; a studio with retractable seating for 200 people, suitable for professional community use, theatre, cabaret, circus performance, exhibitions and debates; and a 350-seat function centre with technology for weddings, conferences, gala dinners and celebrations. For the people of La Trobe and Casey, this is a very exciting time. Bunjil Place will be the resident new home for arts in La Trobe.