Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

This story was submitted as part of FRRR’s 25th birthday celebrations.

“The Orbost community has been very lucky to have support and funds from FRRR. They have helped our community in so many areas from arts and culture to environmental initiatives. FRRR helps such a variety of volunteer groups in our town and region, sharing their funds with those who are trying to help their community in a constructive way.

Thanks to seed funding from FRRR The Orbost Exhibition Centre, now trading as the Orbost Arts Centre, has its roots in a deep community spirit and a passion for the arts – especially wood design. This remarkable journey began in 2001, when WOOD Inc. (Wood Workers of Orbost) received a generous grant of $50,000 from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR). That early support was a turning point, and we remain incredibly grateful to FRRR for believing in the vision of a dedicated arts centre in Orbost.

A feasibility study funded by FRRR explored the community’s support and potential funding sources to establish a purpose-built arts facility. The aim was to continue the legacy of the Australian Wood Design Exhibition and house the National Collection in Wood Design – a celebration of high-value wooden furniture and artefacts made from Australian timber. First launched in 1993, the exhibition had already become a major drawcard for Orbost, attracting thousands of visitors – some of whom chose to stay and become valued members of our growing creative community. This vision would not have become reality without the determination of local champions like Helen Morris and the Women of the Snowy River, a group of passionate female artists and advocates for environmental and cultural flows in the Snowy River. Their efforts helped build momentum around the project. Thanks to extraordinary community fundraising efforts, $175,000 was raised locally within East Gippsland. This, combined with matching contributions of $500,000 each from the Victorian Government’s Community Support Fund and the Federal Government’s Regional Solutions Program, allowed the construction of the Arts Centre to begin.

The Orbost community played a key role, not only in fundraising, but also in the physical creation of the centre. Locals contributed to the internal fit-out using local timbers, and one generous mill owner, exiting the timber industry, donated $25,000, stating that “you’re doing what others only dream about.” The Arts Centre was built on time and under budget, with $40,000 in surplus funds, which were used to support our first staff members. In fact, the Victorian Government remarked that we had made history – delivering a major project on time, with money to spare. The official opening was a proud moment, attended by over 400 people, including FRRR’s Sylvia Admans and local political representatives. The Centre launched with the Wood Design Exhibition and has grown to become a vital space for creativity in all forms. Today, the Orbost Arts Centre is open 7 days a week, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, welcoming artists, visitors, and locals alike. Our facilities now include: the main gallery, which houses the National Collection in Wood Design; a ground-floor gallery for rotating exhibitions in all mediums; a retail foyer featuring local timber work and 2D art; an upstairs space used for community meetings, concerts, workshops, film screenings, and more. We’re proud to serve as a one-stop hub for visitors and artists, a place where innovation in wood design meets diverse artistic expression, and where community spirit continues to shape our identity.

Without the feasibility funding and support from FRRR and the Myer Fund, this project may never have come to fruition. Thankfully, we were determined – and with persistence, time, and drive from our organisers, particularly WOOD Inc and WOTS, we made it happen. We did face challenges. Some local gatekeepers resisted the idea, and we unknowingly “set the cat among the pigeons” by pushing forward with the vision of a new Arts Centre. But we dreamed big – imagining new artistic opportunities for our community. Our commitment led us to VCAT, where we argued our case and won. That victory didn’t just clear the path forward; it also rallied broader support from our town and across East Gippsland. It marked the end of the road for those opposing the project. A special thank you to Helen Morris, who stood by us throughout. She visited our community when it mattered most. As she once said, “If you were male, white, and not from Goongerah, I wouldn’t need to be here standing by you.” Her support – and the backing of FRRR – was instrumental in helping us stay focused and ensuring that funds remained dedicated to building the Orbost Exhibition Centre, a community asset that’s now respected as a symbol of our creative future. We’re proud to house the National Collection in Wood Design within a facility constructed from native timbers – a living monument to our native trees. Today, as the State Government brings logging to a close following the devastating bushfires that changed our forests forever, this Centre stands as a powerful reminder of what our community can achieve when we come together with vision, resilience, and heart.

“The Orbost Exhibition Centre originated as an initiative from local artists who had a dream – without FRRR funds, they would still be dreaming.”

Orbost’s vision for the future

“To have a community that pulls together to help one another. A community that seeks cooperation between all the volunteer groups and organisations. A community that works together and isn’t afraid to try new ideas such as growing hemp and making durable and sustainable products from it. A community that values and respects our indigenous elders and families. A community that listens to our indigenous knowledge that they wish to share. A community that is serious about being caretakers for the forest’s fauna and flora, and cares about our rivers and quality of water protecting our water catchments and coastal environments.

We envision a community with a big heart – one that embraces people from all walks of life. A community that proudly values and supports our creative artists. A community that dares to care – about our environment, and the way we interact with it. One that shows respect and responsibility in how we use our water, forests, and the air we breathe. A community that celebrates the creative minds of our children and gives our young people the chance to shine and lead – in the arts, agriculture, technology, and beyond. A community committed to building strong relationships, where cooperation, inclusion, and mutual respect are at the heart of everything we do.”