Located in Central Victoria on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung, we celebrate the powerful link between Country and culture in one of the most profoundly altered landscapes in Australia.
We are custodians to mainland Australia’s oldest continuously operating theatre and the nations’ oldest and largest state arts festival. A rich legacy of Australian creativity resides in our collections and historical homes. We host intimate gigs, dance in big groups and drive around in works of art.
Our shire is recognised for its regional importance to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, being part of the nation’s first Creative City and Region of Gastronomy designation, led by the City of Greater Bendigo.
We are recognised nationally as a key destination for domestic arts tourism and our cultural strengths were acknowledged through the Victorian Government’s 2018 Regional Centre for Culture initiative.
For information on how Council supports arts and culture within the shire visit the Supporting our Arts page.