Its redevelopment vision includes boutique and group accommodation, a restaurant or events space inside the mansion, a national-scale equestrian precinct with cattle-handling capability, and festival, cultural experience, wedding and corporate retreat facilitation.
If the vision comes to life, it will create local jobs, drive the growth of tourism and protect heritage assets.
Since the closure of Dhurringile Prison in August last year, DGV has led a series of meetings and discussions with elected representatives, departmental staff, local councils, tourism operators, equestrian groups and historical societies, who it says are all united by a shared belief in the site’s extraordinary potential.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn a state-owned, heritage-listed site into something truly game-changing for the Goulburn Valley and Victoria,” DGV chair Eugenie Stragalinos said.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes — talking to ministers, local MPs, government departments and community leaders and we’re ready to move forward.”
Ms Stragalinos credited state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland with helping the group link in with appropriate government contacts.
The 68-room, 148-year-old double-storey mansion, which sits on 286 hectares of crown land, a 30-minute drive from Shepparton, has had four very different lives: as a pastoral property, an internment camp, a boys’ home and, most recently, a minimum-security prison.
After decommissioning the prison, the Victorian Government opened a First Right of Refusal process giving other government departments an opportunity to purchase it for a price tag significantly less than what its actual value is.
DGV says it has attracted wide support from a range of local and national stakeholders, including tourism bodies, local government, equestrian clubs, historical societies and industry leaders.
With it, DGV hopes its vision will induce the birth of the Dhurringile site’s fifth life.
“With the right backing, Dhurringile can become a signature destination, putting northern Victoria on the map for heritage tourism and equine sport,” Ms Stragalinos said.
“We’re not just preserving history; we’re building a new future.”
To stay updated, visit the ‘projects and events’ page on DGV’s website.
If you are interested in joining DGV, visit the ‘join us’ page on the website
If you would like to donate funds to progress the Dhurringile business case, email chair@destinationgoulburnvalley.com.au
