Construction of a multi million dollar, multi purpose Bendigo Exhibition Centre is nearing completion with the huge new building set to open in July, in time to host Australia’s largest sheep show.
City of Greater Bendigo Venue Marketing Executive, Rachel Beer, said the Bendigo Exhibition Centre, located at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds, features 5,000 square metres of clear span exhibition space, making it the largest facility of its kind in regional Australia.
Rachel said the centre also has 435 square metres of modern flexible space ideal for a range of purposes.
“The new centre offers the convention and events market a new regional multi purpose facility, ideal for hosting a diverse range of agricultural and industry based events, exhibitions, tradeshows and conferences,” she said.
“Bendigo is already well known as a city for hosting major events and the new Exhibition Centre will add to the range of facilities within the region. The new centre will be home to the Australian Sheep and Wool Show which attracts 20,000 people, the Bendigo National Swap Meet, the largest event of its kind in the Southern hemisphere attracting over 30,000 visitors, and the Bendigo Agricultural Show, one of regional Victoria’s largest shows with up to 25,000 people attending each year.
“Construction is well advanced and on track for the centre’s grand opening by the Victorian Treasurer, John Brumby, at the 2005 Australian Sheep and Wool Show. Already the centre has attracted new events to the region including the National Alpaca Show in October 2005 and a major beef industry show in 2006 in July.”
The new centre will work closely with industry and community groups to grow existing events and attract new events to Bendigo. The $4.27 million joint project is funded by the Victorian State Government ($2.5 million), the City of Greater Bendigo ($1 million), Bendigo Agricultural Show Society ($500,000) and $300,000 from the Federal Government.
For more information on the Bendigo Exhibition Centre contact Rachel Beer on 0428 176 169 or by email r.beer@bendigo.vic.gov.au
