Daniel Mulino (Fraser, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Footscray community, within my electorate of Fraser, has long been a melting pot of cultural and personal expression. The area is home to many creative individuals and organisations who play a vital role in producing the art that defines and redefines our culture. Despite the existence of such a longstanding, storied creative culture in the west, with many who have achieved nationally and internationally, the local arts industry has for many years been deprived of much-needed infrastructure. In particular, there are very few large performing arts centres in Melbourne's west. Without adequate investment in performance spaces, the artists of Melbourne's west will be limited in their opportunities. This will hamper the development of a sector that enriches us all. Creators and arts consumers of the west deserve the same access to the arts as their counterparts across the bridge.

The Creative West project seeks to rectify this problem. The government recently committed $5 million to Creative West, which will be matched by Maribyrnong council. This precinct will ultimately include outdoor spaces, contemporary library facilities and, critically, a 500-seat performing arts and entertainment venue. Not only will this investment create substantial economic and social opportunities but it will also continue to foster the culture of creation and innovation that exists in Melbourne's west. I would like to thank the Maribyrnong City Council for joining the federal Labor government in making this vital investment possible.