The deed between collector and benefactor Carrillo Gantner, Shepparton Art Museum Ltd and Greater Shepparton City Council outlines the terms of the donation, which includes indigenous artworks, including paintings, ceramics and sculptures.
The motion at the March meeting was seconded and supported by Cr Fern Summer, an ardent early critic of the SAM development, who raised questions about the lack of a formal agreement for the gifting when the project was in development.
Mr Gantner, a driving force behind the new SAM, approached council with the idea for a new museum, which included it becoming a home for much of his extensive and culturally important collection.
“Pleasingly, this looks like an exciting and extensive collection of Australian art. It will position us as leaders in indigenous art in Australia,” Cr Summer said.
Cr Rob Priestly said the Ganter family gift was an act of “astonishing generosity”.
“This is an amazing gift to our community, the public of Victoria and Australia,” he said.
Councillors stopped short of revealing items in the gift but Cr Geoff Dobson said the collection would make SAM a mecca for art lovers and historians.
“This gift will no doubt bring prestige to the art gallery, but it will also, more importantly, bring visitors,” he said.
There was more good news for SAM at the March meeting, with councillors approving the allocation of an additional $2,750,000 grant from the Victorian Government.
The expenditure needed to come before council to endorse variations to existing contracts.
Cr Priestly said using existing contractors was the most efficient way to get the works done.
“What we are talking about here is no new money out of council's pocket; in fact, we are in a better financial position due to an additional grant,” he said.
Some of the funds will also cover previously approved cost variations including major road works.
The money will also pay for a commercial kitchen fit-out, a cultural ceremonial area, additional displays and lighting, a barbecue shelter, indigenous children's playground and a healing garden.
“This is becoming a huge asset,” Cr Dobson said, while also flagging that the temporary fencing should come down within weeks.
