Stawell Entertainment Centre Future Planning Project

Northern Grampians Shire Council is creating a long-term plan for the Stawell Entertainment Centre to make sure it continues to meet the needs of the community for many years to come.

The Centre is an important community venue. It hosts a variety of events, including live performances, school productions, cultural activities, community events, meetings and private functions.

As the building gets older, some of its equipment and systems need upgrading or replacing. This includes lighting, sound equipment, audiovisual technology and stage rigging. Ongoing investment is needed to keep the Centre safe, functional and ready for future use.

The Stawell Entertainment Centre Future Planning Project will help Council better understand how people use the venue and what improvements may be needed. This includes looking at the facilities, services and equipment.

Council will gather feedback from community groups, regular users, casual hirers and other key stakeholders. Their ideas and experiences will help identify what is working well, what challenges exist and what opportunities there are for the future.

A major outcome of the project will be a Future Directions Report. This report will provide recommendations for the Centre's future, including priorities for upgrades, service improvements and new opportunities to increase activity and use of the venue.

Engagement with Centre users will begin in August 2026 and opportunities for the wider community to have a say will begin in early September 2026.

Project Timeline

Step 1.Project Planning: May - July 2026

  • Project scoping and background research

Step 2.Stakeholder Engagement: August 2026

  • Stawell Entertainment Centre users and council staff surveys
  • In-person interviews with key stakeholders

Step 3.Community Engagement: September 2026

  • Community Survey available to all residents

Step 4.Prepare Draft Directions Paper: October 2026

  • Collate surveys and feedback from all stakeholders

Step 5.Complete Draft Directions Paper: November 2026

  • Present draft Future Directions Report to council

Step 6.Prepare Final Directions Paper: Feb - March 2027 

  • Refine report based on feedback

Step 7.Complete Final Directions Paper: May 2027

  • Present final Future Directions Paper to council and make available to the community 

This Council Plan and Municipal and Public Health and Wellbeing Plan project sits within the 'Live it Up' Goal to help 'People feel connected, included and safe' and aligns with the action to 'Build up local arts, culture, events, and the places that bring people together.'