OVERVIEW
Balranald Shire Council is currently progressing the construction of
the new $1.5m visitor information and interpretive centre in
Heritage Park, Market Street, Balranald.
Recently named the Balranald Discovery Centre, the complex
features three purpose built, architecturally designed pavilions. The
pavilions are functional, practical and successfully marries its
prominent location on the Sturt Highway with the green park
setting.
The Balranald Discovery Centre will offer excellent facilities for the
local community, short - term visitors and the passing traffic.
Serviced public amenities, local, regional and State wide
information, souvenir and retail sales, information and educational
experiences through interpretive zones and a quality café will be
the key features of this facility.
The facility is owned and operated by Balranald Shire Council
and upon completion the Balranald Discovery Centre will house the Visitor Information Centre staff. The Visitor Information Centre will be a 7 day per week
operation – from 9.00am to 5.00pm, 362 days per year (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday only).
Council commenced construction in late 2013, and with the pavilions nearing completion Council is now progressing to the interpretation phase. It is envisaged
that the complex will open in late August 2014.
The centre interpretation will celebrate the Balranald region in natural and cultural contexts. Interpretive elements will f low inside and outside the buildings and
the design will be bold, interactive and memorable.
Artist impression from Market Street
PROPOSED NIMMIE CAIRA INTERPRETATION
To progress the proposed Nimmie Caira interpretation at the new Balranald Discovery
Centre, Balranald Shire Council presents the following concept idea for your
consideration.
The Balranald Discovery Centre is located in the vast grounds of Heritage Park, Market
Street Balranald, with Sturt Highway frontage. This prime highway location lends itself to
a “traffic stopping” attraction… Nimmie Caira?
The Concept
It is proposed that the Nimmie Caira interpretation be a focal point at the front of the
Balranald Discovery Centre utilising the Malcolm Museum as the backdrop.
The concept would incorporate the following components:
Timber sheep yards
Life size steel cut - out sheep
Life size steel cut - out dog
Life size steel cut-out of a stockman and his horse
Movement activated sound boxes
Interpretative signage - depicting the pastoral history of Nimmie Caira
Landscaping and path work
Nimmie Caira wording on the east facing roof of the museum overlooking the sheep yards
Flood lighting
A4 - DL folded promotional brochure available within the information centre
Nimmie Caira Location
Location of Nimmie Caira in relation to Balranald
PROPOSED NIMMIE CAIRA INTERPRETATION
The Experience
The experience will capture visitor attention as they step into the Balranald Discovery Centre
precinct from the Market Street entrance.
As you meander along the rustic earth coloured path you will see the timber stockyards
framed by the timeless corrugation on the Malcolm Museum, Nimmie Caira branded boldly
across the roof, and … your sense of curiosity kicks in.
You will hear the sound of sheep “baaing” as you pass the movement activated sound
bollards, then listen to the stockman call up his dog. Immerse yourself in the sounds of a real
pastoral station with baaing sheep, barking dogs, horses neighing and the birds tweeting.
Take a walk over, to view the amazing works of local Riverina artists - in the steel sheep
cut-outs, or snap an image of the life-size stockmen and his horse under the tree.
Learn about the pioneering heritage of the Nimmie Caira through the interpretive panels
and gain an insight into how this area has evolved over the years… and take a look into the future!
Marketing Collateral
The Nimmie Caira interpretation will be captured in a full colour A4 DL folded brochure that will disseminated through the Visitor Information Centre.
Estimated Cost
Approximately $120,000 - all components mentioned, research, earthworks and flood lighting for night impact
DRAFT CONCEPT
Nimme CairaNimme CairaNimme Caira
NIMMIE CAIRA
Very primitive concept design - a detailed plan will be developed should this concept be approved
For further information please contact
Robyn Ryan
Director of Economic and Community Development
Telephone: 03 50201300
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0427 201 300