The News asked some well-known Goulburn Valley personalities their thoughts on Greater Shepparton City Council’s decision at its April 22 meeting to withdraw its expression of interest in the Dhurringile Mansion site.
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Jamie Lea
Dhurringile Mansion is an iconic site with incredible potential for creative activation — from festivals and artist residencies to hot air ballooning and heritage events.
But while these ideas are exciting, the reality is that funding for events and the creative industries is at an all-time low.
It’s easy to imagine what could be, but without meaningful investment, community support and the space to actually create, ideas like this remain just that — ideas.
Still, I believe anything is possible when you back people with passion and vision and encourage your community with confidence and enthusiasm.
Seema Abdullah
Vox pop | Seema Abdullah.
I was disappointed to hear council won’t proceed with the Dhurringile Mansion site purchase.
The independent assessment supported it, and the council’s report outlined strategic benefits and a risk mitigation plan.
I backed the SAM project for similar reasons — it brought pride, visitors, economic value and identity.
This was a rare chance to make a visionary decision.
Grants, philanthropy and community support could have been explored.
Council doesn’t always invest for financial return — it invests in liveability and our future.
I’m also surprised the Heritage Committee’s advice wasn’t mentioned.
Kevin Hicks
Vox pop | Kevin Hicks.
My view is that there should have been a lot more time put aside for public discussion.
It doesn’t make sense for the council not to consider capitalising on an opportunity like this.
We spend a lot of revenue on other projects that aren’t viable.
This was a missed opportunity.
Robert McLean
Vox pop | Robert McLean.
I’ve never had any particular view on what should happen to the Dhurringile Mansion, but it exists and the building should remain intact as it already has significant embedded carbon emissions and rather than clearing the site to build anything new, we should be repairing what exists.
The site does have significant historical significance, but whatever it becomes, its maintenance or use shouldn’t have a high carbon impact and, within that, be useful in a warming world.
Every decision council now makes must include considerations for its climate emergency declaration made in 2020.
