After years of planning, public debate and design changes, the Drum Theatre – Dandenong Town Hall has now reopened its 115 year old doors to the public. And according to Council CEO, Carl Wulff, the wait was worth it.
“The Town Hall really is the heartbeat of the city centre,” he said. “It signifies important milestones in Dandenong’s history and this is yet another chapter in its incredible past. In the 1890s the Town Hall was the feature of Dandenong Village and put it on the map. Dandenong, like every town after World War One, was devastated by the depression and loss of lives through the war but then the post World War Two boom saw great changes to the Dandenong Town Hall – again signifying a great future. Now in 2006, the opening of the Drum Theatre heralds exciting times ahead for this town, this region and its people. It is the third rebirth and continues to stand the test of time.”
Cultural Facilities Director, Paul Streefkerk, is delighted to be a major part of the theatre which he believes will ignite people’s love for the arts.
“There is clearly a need for a high quality venue in this area given the amazing membership response and the fantastic line-up of performances,” he said. “The region has been crying out for such a venue and now we are giving it to them.”
Victorian Premier Steve Bracks officially opened The Drum Theatre last February.
