A $2 million state government project will deliver a new art gallery and events space on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The project, to be built at Oakdene Vineyards, will be delivered via the Labor government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund and will feature works from more than 100 Indigenous art pieces and sculptures from the private collection of the vineyard’s owners, Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley.
The state-of-the-art public gallery will offer free admission to visitors and is expected to be a significant drawcard for the region.
It will include a restaurant and events space with a new tasting room to cater for all occasions.
The gallery will be at Banks and Anderson Roads at Mannerim and the 64-hectare site is in addition to Oakdene’s Grubb Road winery, restaurant and guest house.
The project will generate up to 12 jobs during construction and up to 26 ongoing positions once completed in 2024.
Oakdene Vineyards has been operating for more than 20 years at its Wallington site and has become a key destination on the Bellarine taste trail.
“We are grateful for the government’s trust and investment into our winery, and we are very excited to open this new experience on the Bellarine Peninsula,” Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley said.
The announcement was made by Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos on Monday.
“This incredible development will attract more people to the Bellarine Peninsula and encourage them to stay longer, helping support local businesses and jobs,” Minister Dimopoulos said.
Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine executive director Brett Ince said the project would be a feather in the cap of tourism on the peninsula.
“This development will further enhance Greater Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula’s growing arts and food and wine scene, which will encourage more overnight stays and day trips to this beautiful region,” he said.
