Boolarra BMX Track
Local project designed by young people, for young people
Artisan Store turned ARTSpace
In 2015, the privately owned Mirboo North Artisan Store became a local community incorporated association, led by a committee of management and the most vibrant and creative volunteers you will find anywhere.
The Foundation initially aimed to support the ARTSpace for 3 years as part of its “Strategic Grants Program”. Assisting in preventing social isolation, the space encourages inclusion and creativity, promoting a ‘can do’ attitude and fostering arts leadership in the area.
The ARTSpace also has a tourism and economic benefit, by becoming a micro-business incubator and encouraging spending in conjunction with tourism events such as festivals held in the area.
Eloise's Story
Eloise O’Brien said that when she was approached by local boy Quinn O’Kane who asked for her to help create a BMX track in the bush, she thought it would be a better idea to look for an open safe public place in the middle of the Boolarra township, where the older kids could play on their bikes.
“Quinn told me that the older kids wanted a dirt track where they could do their rollers and berms, so it had bumps and hurdles that would challenge them, ” she said.
After in-depth community consultation between the Latrobe City Council, Boolarra Community Development Group and many other organisations and people associated with the project, the kids helped to design the circuit itself. Eloise said it was great to get the kids point of view and to see them draw it out.
“It’s wonderful that the older kids in town have a sensible alternative to sitting at home. We see them coming across with their bikes to meet their friends after school and on the weekends. Families that take the rail train have activities for all age groups to greet them in the park.”
Eloise says there can be up to 20 kids playing on the circuit at a time.
“The Latrobe Valley Street Games also comes from 4:30 – 5:30pm on a Thursday night to do activities with the kids and we see lots of kids that have a play on their way to footy or netball.“
ARTSpace
Showcasing a variety of artworks and handmade artisan goods from across the district from over 40 artists and makers, Mirboo North ARTSpace is situated in the Butter Factory on Grand Ridge Road. It offers workshops, meeting space, kids art and school holiday programs as well as a unique shopping experience.
ArtSpace is a Not For Profit organisation set up with seed funding from the Community Foundation to provide the community with access to the arts.
The ARTSpace is open from 10am-4pm Wednesday – Sunday and is an especially cosy place to visit throughout the winter time.
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