Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat will be safer and more accessible for all theatre goers thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison visited the theatre to mark the start of Stage 3 restoration work on the nearly 150-year-old landmark, supported by a $10 million Labor Government investment through the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.

Opened in 1875, Australia’s oldest continually operational theatre has become the cultural heart of Ballarat, hosting local and international performances and entertaining millions of people.

Works to modernise the theatre include installing new lifts, ramps and handrails, building a new box office and a new backstage lift to allow performers needing an alternative to stairs to perform at the theatre.

Local firm Nicholson’s Constructions is completing the upgrades with work expected to be finished by the end of the year, supporting 21 full-time jobs during construction.

Stage 1 and 2 works were jointly funded by the Government and City of Ballarat and included essential remediation works on external bricks and installing steel structural support beams, bringing the Government’s total investment in the theatre’s restoration to more than $12 million.

The flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund helps businesses create jobs in regional Victoria, supports community projects and backs councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.

The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is part of the Government’s record investment of more than $36 billion in rural and regional Victoria since 2015. For more information go to www.rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Her Majesty’s Theatre has been a Ballarat cultural institution for nearly 150 years and we
are ensuring this continues for generations to come. Importantly, the restoration works will make it more accessible for patrons, so everyone can enjoy the performances on offer.

“Our $10 million investment at Her Majesty’s theatre will not only enhance Ballarat’s arts and cultural reputation, attracting more events and visitors to our city, it is also supporting local jobs.”