Country Arts SA

Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) (15:16): After years of disruption our region is finally rebuilding its vibrant arts and music scene. The arts and music industries were among the hardest hit during COVID-19, but we are now witnessing their revival with momentum steadily returning, something that is clearly evident in my electorate. Over the weekend The Old Mount Gambier Gaol hosted the SummerSalt Festival, an event that brought life and energy back to our community, showcasing outstanding Australian musical talent, such as Missy Higgins and the Whitlams, drawing a crowd of over 4,000 from intra and interstate. A big congratulations to Jamie and Mel Stephenson from the Old Gaol on bringing this fantastic event to Mount Gambier.

Last month we also saw the Beer and BBQ Festival return for its second year and next weekend sees the fourth Fantasy Medieval Fair at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds, an event that gets bigger and better every year and brings visitors from all over Australia. In even better news the much loved Fringe Festival will be making its return next year. These events are marking a turning point for our region, proving that there is a strong appetite for arts and culture.

But while these festivals are wonderful, we must ask ourselves: what more can we do to support and propel the arts in Mount Gambier? How can we ensure that the momentum we are building is sustained into the future? The answer lies in investment, vision and long-term planning. That is why I am advocating, alongside Country Arts SA, for the redevelopment of the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre.

The Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre has served as Mount Gambier's premier arts venue since it first opened in 1982. However, after more than four decades it is in dire need of modernisation. The current facilities are no longer fit for purpose, lacking the essential space for artists, musicians and performers to create, rehearse and showcase their work. The theatre's infrastructure has not kept pace with the growing needs of our local arts community, nor does it reflect Mount Gambier's potential as a regional arts hub. The proposed master plan seeks to address these challenges. It includes a brand-new 400 seat black box performance space, community art-making spaces and a much needed music recording studio.

These additions will open the doors for young local artists, young musicians and touring performers to develop their craft right here in our city. Furthermore, the plan features a redesigned foyer, improved backstage facilities and a new Ferrers Street entrance, ensuring the venue is accessible, modern and inviting. With these improvements, we can foster the next generation of talent, providing them with the professional facilities that they need to hone their skills without having to leave our region. This will also enhance Mount Gambier's appeal as a destination for touring productions, national and international artists and major cultural events.

For this ambitious plan to become a reality, we need funding. We need all levels of government—local, state and federal—to come together and recognise the value of this project. We have seen the economic and social benefits that strong arts investment can bring. Theatres, music venues and art precincts drive tourism, create jobs and contribute to community wellbeing. Let us take this opportunity to make Mount Gambier a true arts and cultural capital in regional Australia. I urge the government and all stakeholders to back this investment not just for the artists and musicians of today but for generations to come.

Tourism that comes off the back of some of these events also needs to be recognised. Like I said, with Missy Higgins in town, she took to social media promoting Mount Gambier. One of her activities when she is travelling around Australia is to find waterholes or places to jump in. She showcased our Little Blue by taking an early morning dip and jumping off the cliffs, and that was posted all around social media. Again, as a local, it is great to see people promoting our region and the tourist benefits that come from that.