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Unique community complex opened in Mildura

Mildura Rural City Council has set a new benchmark in the provision of community facilities with the opening of its $12 million Alfred Deakin Centre. The new building not only provides residents of Mildura with a wonderful modern facility, it offers visitors a visually stunning gateway to the City, the region and all its attractions.

The centre includes a state of the art library complex, a Visitor Information Centre including a 50 seat theatrette, multi use community rooms and a public restaurant. The building and surrounds encapsulate the landscape and history of the district. Wherever possible, local materials have been used in the construction of the building. Extensive use of glass floods the interior with sunlight, one of the City's major winter attractions.

External and internal landscaping recreates the indigenous flora of the region but also includes exotic plants acknowledging the contribution agriculture has made to the City's development. Grapes and citrus trees grow alongside native plants used for medicine and bush tucker.

While external ramps embody the appearance of river wharf architecture, recalling paddle steamer days, a 'Lazy River' symbolising the Murray, meanders through the interior of the building culminating in a miniature wetlands depicting local ecology. Retail areas in the complex feature a wide variety of local produce.

For further information contact Bernard Humphreys, telephone (03) 5021 9154.

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