A new Community and Cultural Centre will be opened at Farm Viganò, South Morang on Wednesday 7 September at 11am.
The new centre was made possible with a $2.45 million grant from the Australian Government.
The event will be attended by City of Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Rex Griffin and Councillors, Farm Viganò patron and well-known Melbourne restaurateur Guy Grossi and a range of Federal and State Government representatives including Harry Jenkins, Member for Scullin.
Farm Viganò, with its orchard, extensive grounds and native wildlife, has been identified as a site of major significance to Victoria’s Italian heritage.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Cr Rex Griffin said Farm Viganò was a “celebration of the Italian community’s cultural, artistic and culinary contribution” to a diverse and multicultural Melbourne.
“Having a cultural learning centre in such a scenic environment will be a major tourist drawcard to our municipality and north-east metropolitan area,” Cr Griffin said.
The centre, run by staff from Plenty Valley Community Health, will provide an opportunity for residents to participate in social and cultural activities including gardening, cooking, creative arts and woodwork.
The Nostalgia Viganò project, commissioned by the Friends of Farm Viganò, compiles the property’s history. These stories come to life on interpretative panels stationed throughout the grounds. The panels document the farm’s culinary, cultural and community origins and recognise the Italian migrant experience and its influence on the Australian way of life.
These panels will also ensure that Italian heritage remains an integral part of the farm’s future.
The panels are split into 5 themes:
Indigenous interpretation – tells the stories of the Wurundjeri people in the region
Farm history – from early European settlement to working farm
Hospitality – outlines the influence of the Viganòs and other influential Italian immigrants
Artist’s impression – pays tribute to Maria Teresa Viganò’s artistic talents
Family album – reproduces a series of photographs from the family albums of the various owners depicting earlier life and times at the farm
Farm Viganò is located on 10 Bushmans Way, South Morang.
All media are invited to attend.
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