The Y Water Discovery Centre at Yea will now be known as the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre.
“We felt the timing was right to rebrand the centre to better align with the Yea Wetlands. The new name reflects the location and the experiences and activities on offer in both the centre and the wetlands,” centre chairman Don Knight said.
Along with the new signage there is a new website and work is also under way to develop a visitor guide and update the directional and interpretive signage in the wetlands.
“The website, visitor guide and new signage in the wetlands will be a fantastic resource for visitors and locals alike to discover the many great things to see, do and explore in the area and will assist our team of over 40 local volunteers to continue to offer outstanding visitor information services,” Mr Knight said.
“We also gratefully acknowledge the significant funding support we have received from Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal to help deliver these projects.”
The centre has also received funding through the Federal Government’s Powering Communities Program to install new solar panels and a battery.
Mr Knight said the grant would help the centre continue its transition to renewables and reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions.
Another new development is the recent installation of the Gurrong dharrang, Scarred Tree artwork by Taungurung artist Sammy Trist.
Located at the entrance to the centre, the sculpture of a eucalyptus tree features Indigenous line art and Taungurung totems Bundjil the wedge-tailed eagle and Waang the crow.
The project was co-ordinated by the Honour the Taungurung Yea community group, including Taungurung Elder Aunty Angela ten Buuren, with funding from the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 Aboriginal Community Response and Recovery Fund.
A new interactive display has recently been installed in the Russel Wealands interpretive wing and provides a fascinating insight into environmental water flows in our waterways. The display was developed and funded by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
The centre’s committee was announced at its recent annual general meeting.
Joining chairman Don Knight is Ian Marshman as vice-chairman and Greg Noonan continues in his role as secretary. Other members include Frank Larkins, Julie Lynch, Geoff Leslie, David Anderson and Corinne Border.
For more information, phone 5797 2663, visit www.yeawetlands.com.au or follow the centre on Facebook.