The McGowan Government's $1.6 million investment in the Woodlands Cultural, Community and Visitor Centre is helping to provide new attractions and opportunities for tourists to the region.
The project, an election commitment from the McGowan Government, includes the refurbishment of an existing building in Norseman town centre to encourage visitors to stop and stay in the town.
The Visitor Centre is located adjacent to an existing art gallery and near to local shops and amenities.
Construction work is progressing with the installation of large external sculptures inspired by water trees or Wanyar, which were used by the Ngadju people to catch and gather fresh water. These trees were shaped by Aboriginal people by placing a large rock in the centre of young trees to produce a bowl formation as they grew.
Esperance-based designers Cartman Designs undertook the detailed designs for the building with local people involved in the centre design and artwork. Construction is due for completion by the end of this year.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Norseman is a road gateway into regional Western Australia with thousands of interstate visitors travelling through each year.
"The State Government's Road Trip campaign continues to increase the number of international visitors to the Golden Outback region including regional centres such as Norseman and Esperance.
"This project will provide a unique opportunity for Norseman to capture additional visitors and encourage overnight stays, by showcasing the region's spectacular natural landscapes and cultural heritage."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"This project has provided a great opportunity to involve local businesses and people in the design and refurbishment of the visitor centre.
"By improving the facilities and amenity of Norseman, we are improving the experience of tourists and visitors and this is also providing a welcome economic boost and opportunities for the local community and region."
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
"It's important for regional and remote towns to encourage travellers to stop and invest in the town, and projects like this are just another reason to explore the beautiful Goldfields region.
"Since coming into Government in 2017 we have been very steadily delivering our election commitments to the region and I am very pleased to see yet another fantastic project funded by the McGowan Labor Government in my electorate."
