SEVERAL tourism projects on the hitlist of Member for Mildura Ali Cupper have been funded in this year’s Victorian state budget.
“Through plenty of hard work I’ve been able to get these projects over the line, and our region’s tourism credentials will be better off for it,” Ms Cupper said.
$3 million has been secured for Mildura Regional Development’s ambitious Trail of Lights project.
Bespoke light installations will be positioned at Lake Cullulleraine as early as next year by internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro, to attract more visitors to the region.
“He’s set to create a visual masterpiece completely inspired by the landscape, and it’s sure to be a marvellous spectacle,” Ms Cupper said.
“We hope that Bruce’s work will be on display for at least five years which is a huge win for the Lake Cullulleraine community.
“I’m sure he’ll find a way to promote the brilliant Mildura region in the best possible light.”
A business case for a WWII Aviation Training and Kittyhawk Museum in Mildura has also been funded in 2022 Victorian state budget.
“The business case will investigate how to best promote Mildura’s war history and link our town in with other World War II museums across the Mallee and Wimmera,” Ms Cupper said.
“Mildura played a significant role during World War II as most fighter pilots who flew in the Pacific arena at the time were trained here in Kittyhawk aircraft, including Australia’s first indigenous fighter pilot.
“I would love to see a museum created to immortalise this fact, and that’s what this business case is all about.”
The Kittyhawk Museum project is strongly supported by the local veterans community and the RSL.
“It’s incredibly important that we acknowledge our war history, and not only would a museum increase tourism interest in the region, but it’s a fascinating education tool,” Ms Cupper said.
“We’ve got Kings of Leon coming this October, and these two announcements show that the Government is listening to our pleas and putting Mildura and the broader region back on the tourism map.”
Media enquiries: Wade Stephens 0423 905 581