Milestone celebration for entertainment centre

Albany Entertainment Centre

Albany’s award-winning entertainment centre marked its tenth anniversary on Friday 11 December. Construction of the Albany Waterfront landmark took from 2008 to 2010, and its $68.8 million of State Government funding was secured and administered through the GSDC.

It opened on Saturday 11 December 2010 with a gala concert featuring local entertainers. In the decade since, it has hosted plays, concerts, comedy, conferences, weddings and other events.

It was the venue for the premiere of the movie Breath and for Tim Winton’s plays. It has hosted Bell Shakespeare, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Black Swan Theatre, the Wiggles, the Waifs, Lighthouse Girl, Uncle Jack Charles, Melbourne Comedy Festival performances and a host of others.

Events have included a conference on Aboriginal food knowledge and forums on aquaculture, science and regional development. Gala dinners for the GSDC Medal presentation were held at the venue, including one on the auditorium stage.

Couples have celebrated their weddings in the AEC and school students from around the region have tasted a theatre experience appearing on the big stage in school productions and concerts.

A community birthday party marked the centre’s tenth anniversary, drawing a crowd who enjoyed backstage tours, live music and activities for children.

GSDC CEO Bruce Manning said involvement in the delivery of the AEC was a highlight of his career in regional development.

“The entertainment centre is a landmark in Albany that has become an integral part of the Great Southern’s cultural life,” Mr Manning said. “Most people in Albany and neighbouring shires have been to an event of some sort in this building and most appreciate its scale and its bold sense of possibility. The AEC is a magnificent asset for the whole Great Southern.”

Group tour of Albany Entertainment Centre.

Group tours saw behind the scenes at the Albany Entertainment Centre anniversary celebration.

Birthday cake for Albany Entertainment Centre.

AEC anniversary celebrations included a 10th birthday cake.

Man speaking into microphone.

Perth Theatre Trust Chair Morgan Solomon at the AEC anniversary celebration.

Group of five people.

Celebrating the AEC 10th anniversary, from left: Former City of Albany CEO Andrew Hammond, Member for Albany Peter Watson, Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan, GSDC CEO Bruce Manning and City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington.