Construction is underway on the Lake Guyatt Environmental Education Centre, a new space for events and learning programs with a focus on sustainability and culture.
The $650,000 centre is being built adjacent to the Sale Community Garden (SEED) in the Lake Guthridge-Guyatt recreational precinct.
The centre will host a range of learning programs including Wellington Shire Council's Sustainable Living Schools program, community group meetings, workshops, citizen science pop-up labs and Aboriginal cultural experiences.
TAFE Gippsland, Federation University and Parks Victoria will also look to run regular programs from the facility.
It will be used by many groups including Gippsland Intrepid Landcare, Flooding Creek Landcare Group and Bug Blitz. It will also look to host events and activities such as NAIDOC Week celebrations, Parks Week and Art in the Garden.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said the centre would allow the Lake Guthridge and Guyatt precinct to further cement itself as an environmental and cultural hub.
"It will be a facility for the whole community, and I'm sure it will be embraced as an important space for environmental and cultural education," Cr Bye said.
"Importantly the centre will support two of the priority areas identified in the Council Plan 2021-25 - climate change and partnering with Gunaikurnai."
The centre has been funded by Wellington Shire Council, John Leslie Foundation and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.
Construction started in November with an estimated completion date of May 2022. While Council is facilitating the design, funding and construction, the centre will be managed by a community-based advisory committee appointed by Council.
