By Shelby Brooks
For two decades, the Cardinia Cultural Centre (CCC) has been a community hub for entertainment, arts and creativity.
The sod was officially turned in 2001 by Planning Minister John Thwaites.
He applauded Cardinia Shire for its vision in planning a $6m cultural centre in the heart of Delfin’s Lakeside development at Pakenham.
“This is all about transformation,” Mr Thwaites said at the time.
“In this case, the transformation of a whole municipality from one with rural focus to one with an urban focus. It is easy to be dazzled by growth figures, but we need to look behind the numbers of people and look at what sort of life they lead.
“The cultural centre shows Cardinia wants to make sure citizens have a full range of opportunities in the place they choose to live.
“People certainly want education, but culture is very high as well.”
CCC was officially opened on Friday 21 February 2003, by the Govenor of Victoria at the time, Honourable John Landy AC MBE.
But the vision for CCC was first imagined 15 years prior.
Architect David Newstead reportedly couldn’t wipe the smile off his face at the official opening.
“The idea of this centre has been in our office for about 15 years, and now to see it finally created is a fabulous feeling,” he told the Gazette in 2003.
“It is already being well received and I feel wonderful to be a part of it.”
Around 400 residents were part of history when CCC officially opened its doors in 2003.
Trio Mango Tango entertained guests, who sipped cocktails before being ushered into the theatre.
Last week on Tuesday 21 February, patrons, artists and volunteers gathered at CCC in Pakenham to reflect on its growth over the past 20 years as well as its contribution to the arts and cultural landscape.
The event began with music from local artist Matt McMahon, followed by a speech by Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Tammy Radford.
She highlighted the centre’s importance in the community, and the efforts of those who have contributed to its success including former mayor Max Papley and former Pakenham MP Rob Maclellan.
“Since its opening, the centre has grown to be the beating heart of Cardinia Shire’s arts and cultural life. There’s been many wonderful artists, exciting shows, brilliant exhibitions and awesome events over the past 20 years,” she said.
“I look forward with real excitement to the continued growth and success of our Cardinia Cultural Centre in the many years and decades ahead.”
CCC includes a fully equipped performing arts theatre, a stunning digital and visual arts gallery, function rooms overlooking a picturesque lake, and a contemporary café open Tuesdays to Sundays as well as before shows.
The centre caters for everything from casual lunches to business functions, to exhibitions and weddings, and also hosts a diverse range of professional and community performances, including touring shows and local exhibitions.
