🎨 Does West Vic value art?

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK 🎟️

• SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, 20/09/25-21/09/25 | Warrnambool Running Festival

• SATURDAY, 20/09/25 | Colac Taiwanese Moon Festival

• SATURDAY, 20/09/25 | A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift

HEARD THIS WEEK👂

🖼️ “One of the most ambitious projects in our history”: Southern Grampians approves $3.35m for next phase of Hamilton Art Gallery

Southern Grampians Shire Council has awarded a $3.35 million contract to design the next phase of Hamilton Gallery’s redevelopment, describing it as “one of the most ambitious projects in the history of the Shire”.

The detailed design work will be carried out by Angelo Candalepas and Associates, the firm behind the gallery’s initial concept designs. 

Councillors voted 4-2 to move ahead with the contract at last Wednesday’s council meeting.

Councillors Albert Calvano and Katrina Rainsford opposed the recommendation, citing “strong concern” from ratepayers around the cost of the project, as well as competing priorities in the shire.

“While I recognise the importance of culture in our region, I cannot, in good conscience, support this project in the current financial climate,” Calvano said.

Within the contract, $2.9 million will be delivered from the Federal Government’s Regional Partnerships and Precincts Program, with a further $400,000 provided through the bequest of the late Venise Alstergren, a celebrated artist and long-time supporter of the gallery.

The final $55,451 will be contributed by the council.

Southern Grampians Shire Council has put a $10 million limit on what it will contribute to construction, and said extra funding will need to come from state and federal governments and philanthropic groups like the Gallery Foundation.

The total build is currently estimated at $48.9 million.

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👩🏻‍🎨 “I love every minute of it”: The mural artist painting joy into Colac life

When Terri Pollock’s brush hits a wall, she doesn’t just add paint – she transforms blank brick and plaster into vivid landmarks that locals and visitors alike stop to appreciate. 

Over the past few months, Pollock has been steadily changing the face of Colac, with murals completed at Rhodes Veterinary Clinic in May, the Colac Tourist Information Centre in August, and, just last week, on the wall of Bella Hope Café next to the Colac Legacy building.

It’s a job the 35-year-old mother of two never expected to find. 

Growing up in Alice Springs before moving to Victoria seven years ago, she never saw herself as particularly artistic until lockdown left her with plenty of time to explore. 

Now, Colac is her biggest canvas yet.

The Colac Tourist Information Centre mural in August was a turning point. 

“Public art is definitely one of those attractions, like the silo art trail,” she said. 

“This mural is definitely my most ‘out there’ public work, and it was a huge undertaking. I felt pressure to do a good job for the community, but I’ve had a lot of great feedback.”

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🎣 School holiday events and activities in West Vic under $30

Fishing competitions, slime-making workshops, festivals and even barista training - the Brolga has compiled a list of budget-friendly school holiday events happening across the patch.

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SEEN THIS WEEK 🤓

Hear Terri’s story in her own words in the video below. Her Colac murals have added a new splash of colour to town, and it’s clear how passionate she is about the art she creates for the community.

If you’re after a recommendation for a spot to eat in Colac, these locals have offered up their favourites.

Watch the full video below.