The Goolwa Wharf Precinct’s Signal Point building has received $980,000 grant funding from the Murray Darling Basin Economic Development Grant funding program (Round 3) to create a state-of-the-art Experience Centre. 

The project will include the design and internal fit-out of the Signal Point Gallery building and an interpretive storytelling centre to enhance visitor experience.

The Centre will showcase indigenous and colonial heritage, local produce and arts, and activate the building space. 

Alexandrina CEO Glenn Rappensberg says the upgrade will complement and leverage the existing  Goolwa Wharf Revitalisation project.

The Signal Point building is an icon of the Goolwa Wharf Precinct and will be the centrepiece for sharing history and significance of place, and act as a launch pad into the surrounding experiences on offer in the greater Alexandrina region. 

The refurbished building works will include display systems, joinery and the latest technology (screens, iPads, and headsets) to provide the physical environment to support future employment creation in the region, and in particular providing opportunities for local Ngarrindjeri-led businesses to be created. 

The project will deliver progressive and functional facilities and unlock strong opportunities for economic growth and business expansion through increased public awareness of the area’s rich history and opportunity for recreational visitation, and will capture and tell the rich stories surrounding the Goolwa Wharf precinct and its waters. 

The stories will be based on place, culture, economy and environment; and themed against a timeline stretching from ‘deep time’ origins, linkages to Ngarrindjeri and their connection to place and water, through to colonisation and the role the wharf, wooden boats, steam and rail played in opening up Australia’s first export trade opportunities. 

Mayor Keith Parkes has expressed his thanks for the Federal Government funding to upgrade the building, which he says will ensure the rich history and authentic stories are shared and celebrated in meaningful way. 

“This location is a symbolic indicator of the health of the Murray-Darling Basin, of which Goolwa is so reliant for its social and economic wellbeing. 

“This was never more evident given the hardship suffered through the millennial drought. 

“Such hardship remains entrenched in the memories of the local community and investing in a project of this nature highlights the importance of a healthy Murray-Darling basin in ensuring a resilient and thriving community. 

“The Signal Point building is a key and recognisable feature of the Precinct and will continue to serve as a landmark offering expression, education and entertainment. 

He anticipates the project will be completed by July 2022.