The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre was in celebration mode on Thursday, July 5.
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The centre marked its 10th birthday and there was much to celebrate.
Mayor of Shoalhaven City Councillor Amanda Findley said the centre was an important local asset.
“The centre has made its mark as the home of performing arts and at the same time has generated direct employment and indirect employment through the supporting industries such as accommodation,” Cr Findley said.
“I am particularly proud in the support that has been given to budding directors, lighting engineers and back of house staff, who are all an integral but often under recognised part of the entertainment industry.”
Many people played a role in getting the centre built.
Greg Watson, Paul Green, John Anderson, Margaret Prott, Jack Kerr, Alan Baptist, John Willmott, Joanna Gash, David Wagstaff, John Wells, Russ Pigg, all council’s senior staff, the hardworking centre’s workers and the late Barry Russell were all thanked for their efforts.
Former Mayor, Greg Watson, one of the centre’s prime movers, is today a proud man.
“This is one of the best regional facilities anywhere in Australia,” Cr Watson said.
“It’s a great facility and everyone who attends functions says it’s fabulous.”
Big names on stage
Since it opened in July 2008 the centre has hosted more than 1,600 events since launching in July 2008.
Jon English, Guy Sebastian, Lee Kernaghan, Jimmy Barnes, The Whitlams, Mental as Anything, Josh Pyke, Suzi Quatro, Leo Sayer and Bonnie Tyler are just some of the big names who have performed there.
“In the past year more than 39,000 people have attended shows at the Entertainment Centre,” Cr Findley said.
Upon its opening, the centre was heralded for its innovative architectural design, state-of-the-art technology and scale of the venue.
It features an auditorium accommodating 900 guests, a studio seating 90, a gallery space and two conference rooms and a year-round variety of theatre, cabaret, dance, music, physical theatre and workshops.
The centre is popular for Illawarra visitors as a closer alternative to many Sydney venues.
Encouraging the arts
“The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre has built a strong reputation in the region as an arts and culture hub adding to the attraction of our impressive beaches, national parks and the gateway to some of Australia’s best bushwalking, wineries and restaurants,” Cr Findley said.
“In the past year, more than 39,000 people have attended shows at the Entertainment Centre.
“Our community members who frequent the centre often, believe the centre is an important part of their socio-cultural life.
“With pre-show dining and first-class entertainment, it makes for a truly entertaining experience with family and friends.
“The centre has made its mark as the home of performing arts and at the same time has generated direct employment and indirect employment through the supporting industries such as accommodation.
“I am particularly proud in the support that has been given to budding directors, lighting engineers and back of house staff, who are all an integral but often under recognised part of the entertainment industry.”
Centre - History
Calls for a cultural centre in the region date back to 1979 following a growing community interest in the arts. Council explored costings and design connecting the northern wing of the new administration centre building and construction commenced in September 2006 under the direction of The Cox Group architects and Edwards Constructions.
Completed in just over a year, the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre was officially opened on Saturday July 5 2008 and was heralded for its innovative architectural design, state-of-the-art technology and scale of the venue.
The centre features an auditorium accommodating 900 guests, a studio seating 90 guests, a gallery space and two conference rooms.
A year-round variety of theatre, cabaret, dance, music, physical theatre, workshops and more are held at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.
Centre construction - fast facts
· There are 24 switchboards, 1,200 light fittings, 350 power outlets, 280 special-purpose power outlets and 200km of cabling
· Over 3,000 cubic metres of concrete was used to construct the building
· The longest truss was 35 metres and weighted 20 tonne
· Total steel tonnage for the building was 500 tonne