The Old Slipway on the iconic Lakes Entrance foreshore has been given a new lease on life, with the creation of a public space to bring the community together and showcase the best of Gippsland’s art and hospitality.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh represented Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney last week to officially open the new space on the foreshore.
The Labor State Government supported the project with $852,000 in funding, while the Federal government and local council also contributed.
The original slipway operated from 1948 to 2005 before moving to the Boat Yard on nearby Bullock Island. The redevelopment project will give the site a new purpose after sitting unused for 15 years and support local economic opportunity.
Since its completion in summer, a group of local businesses have joined forces to form the Slipway Collective, hosting food and drink stalls for outdoor dining, live music and community markets.
This includes local dairy business Gippsland Jersey who was represented at the Slipway opening by Co-Founder Sallie Jones, brewer Sailors Grave whose Managing Director Gab Moore was in attendance, artist group FLOAT whose Co-Founders Andrea Lane and Josephine Jakobi were at the opening, while seafood restaurant the Minotaur had Chef Sam Mahlook representing.
The two historic winch sheds have also been transformed into gallery spaces for local artists to show their work and host events. There are also new public toilets and access ramps.
These investments mean more locals have jobs close to home, more communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive, and more visitors can experience everything our regions offer.
For more information go to rdv.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“These incredible local businesses have come together and collaborated with many others over several years to make this perfect site into something the whole region can be proud of.”
“This investment from all levels of government means that the Lakes Entrance Slipway has both a proud history and a promising future.”
Quote attributable to Gippsland Jersey Co-Founder Sallie Jones
“It was a great gathering of the Slipway clan."
"A game-changing event for all of us - to revisit the stories behind our Slipway collaboration. To be reminded that it’s a story of ‘second-generation social enterprise’ flourishing. Many visitors would never know how deeply embedded we all are in the Precinct’s creation, the region’s history and our commitment to community benefit.”
