A VISIT to the Wedderburn Mechanics’ Institute has sparked a plan to bring an art installation to Wedderburn for the Loddon Valley Arts Trail in October.
Head of arts programs at Melbourne’s Australian National Veterans’ Arts Museum Tanja Johnston and project and engagement co-ordinator Jo Brown were in Wedderburn last week, to see the Mechanics’ Institute hall and meet with Arts Trail organisers about this year’s event
“Our impression of the building was that it is a wonderful asset to the local community, with an important historical connection to service and commemoration,” Ms Johnston said.
“With my strong connections to regional Australia, I appreciate the role these venues play in drawing communities together.”
ANVAM, in Melbourne’s Southbank, exhibits artworks by service veterans, with the aim of enhancing and strengthening the wellbeing of the veteran community. 
The organisation aims to give veterans the opportunity to “reclaim their narrative” through creative practices.
“Regional Victoria has played a central role by providing their sons and daughters for service in Australia’s name,” Ms Johnson said.
“We look forward to helping remind communities of their connection to service and perhaps to inspire people to look deeper into our important history, whether it was 110 years ago, or about the young men and women serving today.”
Discussions are now underway with Loddon Shire Council, as well as the Wedderburn Mechanics’ Institute committee, for a major art installation to be installed to coincide with Loddon Valley Arts Trail from October 3 to 5.
“This is going to be a fabulous addition to our program planning for this year,” said trail organiser organiser Rosemary Sorensen.
“When this opportunity came up, to partner with the Australian National Veterans’ Arts Museum, we approached the Wedderburn committee who are just as excited as we are by the proposal,” she said.
“Loddon’s respect for the veteran community, and people’s interest in service history, makes our shire the perfect place to showcase this exhibition.
“It’s a beautiful hall, with excellent facilities, so we’re very proud that it will host an art installation that many people throughout the wider region will be able to come and see.”
Arts Trail exhibitions and events, including details about the installation in Wedderburn, will be announced from next month, with the full program to be released in July.
Venues will include memorial halls in Boort, Dingee, Calivil, Bridgewater and the War Memorial School in Mysia.
“Loddon has such a strong and interesting network of memorial halls and other historic buildings,” Ms Sorensen said.
“With the help of the volunteers who keep these special places open and looking good, we’re going to create an absolutely unique network of exhibitions.”