About the Project

For over 100 years, this space has been Wonthaggi’s cultural heart. In 2025, nearly 40,000 people walked through our doors, yet the most basic facilities haven’t seen meaningful upgrades in 4 decades.

80% of our ticket purchasers are women, yet only three toilet cubicles serve up to 400 patrons during events lasting 2-3 hours. A growing number of our patrons are seniors and mobility-impaired residents, but our entrance ramp needs upgrading to meet accessibility requirements. These are barriers to participation that disproportionately impact our most loyal and vulnerable patrons.

This upgrade isn’t about luxury; it’s about meeting the reasonable access and equity standards our community deserves. After a century of service, our most significant cultural asset should welcome everyone with dignity. This investment ensures that the next 100 years begin with inclusion, not exclusion, at their foundation.

Background

In 2025, we commemorated the centenary of the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre.

From its roots as the Miners Union meeting place to its evolution into a cherished venue for live performances and cinema, the Centre holds a special place in the hearts of our community. However, to ensure it continues to meet the diverse needs of our community, further investment is necessary.

One area in need of attention is our restroom facilities which are currently outdated and inadequate, especially during peak periods. To address this, we propose a significant expansion, increasing the total number of toilets from five to 10 enclosed, non-gender-specific cubicles, and relocating the accessible toilet.

Additionally, improvements are needed to enhance accessibility and safety throughout the Centre.

Our entrance ramp currently falls short of DDA standards creating barriers for some visitors, while non-compliant building entrances and security concerns compromise the safety and well-being of our community members and staff. By upgrading the entrance ramp and enhancing security measures, we can create a more welcoming and secure environment for all who visit our Centre.

Furthermore, the lack of significant upgrades to the foyer since its reconstruction 45 years ago undermines its functionality and aesthetic appeal. While cosmetic improvements were made in 2017, the foyer remains largely unchanged from its original 1980’s design. This investment presents an opportunity to revitalise the foyer, provide multi-purpose and functional spaces and finally makes it a vibrant and inviting space that reflects the cultural significance of our Centre and marks its centenary in a meaningful way.