*** Opening of the Warburton Civic Arts Centre 1980 ***

Once again we must be thankful to the amazing Warburton Advancement League. ....

"We must certainly remember with gratitude the foresight and endeavour of the Warburton Advancement League who instigated the purchase of the theatre between the vendors and the Council for a sum of $12,000." - Upper Yarra Shire President, Cr Bruce Aumann JP, 1980.

History of the Warburton Civic/Mecca Theatre and the Civic Arts Centre.

The Warburton picture theatre was built for Mr. G. Fox by local contractors and it was opened on 2nd November, 1934. The building was officially opened by Colonel Knox in the presence of the Shire President, Councillor Welch and locals.

Colonel Knox said, "The building was a bold business venture, proof of the belief which Mr. Fox had in the future of the town . and the theatre would impress on people the fact that there were those who still believed in the future".

The theatre drew its audiences from surrounding districts and that is the reason why it was named the "Mecca". In 1942 Civic Enterprises purchased the theatre and the name was changed to "Civic Theatre".

The Warburton Swimming Pool Fund Raising Committee leased the theatre in 1967 and with donations received from Guest Houses and residents purchased seats from Hoyts Theatre, and with voluntary workers renovated the Theatre.

In 1972 the Warburton Advancement League was given the option of purchasing the Theatre, and after several public meetings the League purchased the Theatre in 1973 at a cost of $12,000.

Financial assistance for the purchasing of the Theatre was received from the Shire Council and the Minister for the Arts.

In 1974 the ownership of the Theatre was transferred to the Upper Yarra Shire Council and an application was made to the Minister for the Arts for funding.

The Theatre Planning Committee was formed in 1975 and the Ministry approved Gunn Hayball Pty. Ltd., Architects to carry out a feasibility study, and in 1978 tenders for the alterations and additions were accepted by Council.

Shire of Upper Yarra Civic Arts Centre Official Opening Programme Thursday, 12th June, 1980. - Via my Google Drive. ....

https://drive.google.com/.../1cRkWgemOts.../view...

Many thanks to Neville Sargent of Yellingbo for the copy of the opening programme. Neville, at the time of the opening was the owner of the Gainsborough building.

Yarra Ranges Council Warburton Advancement League Star Mail News Visit Warburton - The Waterwheel Warburton Valley CEDA Business Millgrove Residents Action Group Warburton/Millgrove Noticeboard

Paid Parking in Warburton

Council will be commencing a pilot program for paid parking (Non Residents Only) to be introduced into some areas of Warburton in late 2024.

Q. - Will Yarra Ranges residents need to pay?
A. - No. With soon-to-be introduced resident parking permits, Yarra Ranges residents will not need to pay for parking. Both homeowners and renters fall under this category.

Please Check Out Q & A @
https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Compliance/Parking/Paid-Parking-in-Warburton

Report to Yarra Ranges Council with recommendation adopted on the 14th of May 2024: https://drive.google.com/file/d/100ys6fi2uhKpz9nLJTCBEVxxNpwHu_V9/view?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR39rTd-drpqSwimjhHGY1hc0RHRATP9CMNo1FcXwd2VD_1ugLbZxhSvILQ_aem_ATLREbVEWyL_QUs0eFhF2pwiu9UmGJM-1Tp-P-pxBoi9TpmnionKfpRi5Kgq9AdOVt0lAVIOG4RS6unLc1vFeD2h

Warburton Parking

Yarra Ranges Council unanimously supported a number of initiatives to improve parking outcomes in Warburton.
An assessment of parking utilisation in key tourism areas, coupled with community feedback, increased tourism and availability of Council land, has identified Warburton as presenting the strongest opportunity to address traffic congestion and parking issues.
It is proposed to pilot real-time parking information technology alongside a paid parking program for a period of up to 12 months to enhance the existing enforcement effort at Warburton. These actions are consistent with of Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy 2020-2040 Implementation Plan.
Paid parking would be for visitors (non-residents) only. A permit process would exempt all Yarra Ranges residents from paying to park within the municipality.
Council resolved as per the Officer's recommendation.
More information is in the Officer's report with recommendation to Yarra Ranges Council Meeting Item 10.3 14th May 2024 Meeting Item 10.3 14th May 2024