Community embraces opportunity to makeover Langtree Mall
Published on 16 April 2015
An initiative that will see members of the public take the reins and drive the planning, design and work to makeover Mildura’s Langtree Mall has met resounding support.
More than 90 people turned out to an Information Session about the Langtree Mall 7 Day Makeover in Mildura on Tuesday to hear from place-making expert David Engwicht, who will help run the makeover in June.
“I was absolutely astounded at the Mildura community’s enthusiasm and excitement about this project,” David said.
“The turn out on Tuesday night shows me that Mildura people are eager, have great ideas and are willing to pitch in to make the Mall somewhere that people will want to spend time.”
Mildura mayor Glenn Milne echoed David’s sentiment, saying he was heartened that so many people had embraced the idea of a 7 Day Makeover for the Langtree Mall.
“There were families, business owners, traders, and representatives from lots of different community groups in attendance last night,” Cr Milne said.
“I am sure the buzz around the 7 Day Makeover will spread and even more people will be keen to be part of this movement.”
Scheduled for June 1-7, the Makeover will involve two training days where the community will learn from David Engwicht how to make the most of public spaces, a planning night, preparation, two days when the makeover itself will take place, and a makeover launch celebration.
“We’re now calling on people to register to attend the two day training on June 1 and 2,” David said.
“The training is free and will teach community members the skills and secrets of agile placemaking. It is during this two day training process that all the project ideas will be floated and a placemaking strategy for the Langtree Mall makeover will be devised.
“Any community member who would like to contribute ideas will need to be part of the training or provide their ideas to community members that they know will be attending the training.
After the training, a planning night will be held where people will share ideas for the makeover and also be able to volunteer to join any of the project groups for the makeover itself.
A Resources Bank and Skills Register for the makeover has been set up and contributions are already flowing in.
“I encourage people to look at what they might have at home, in their shed or yard that could be used for the makeover,” David said.
Books, art sculptures, two table tennis tables and the giant deck chair that used to sit outside a hotel on Deakin Avenue have already been donated to the Resources Bank.
“It will be up to the people who get involved in the makeover to ultimately determine if, and how the resources are used in the Langtree Mall.”
A Skills Register, where people can commit their professional skills, equipment and time as part of the Makeover is also open for donations.
To donate to the Resources Bank, Skills Register or register to be a volunteer for the Langtree Mall 7 Day Makeover visit www.7day.com.au or search 7 Day Makeover Mildura on Facebook.
ENDS
Media enquiries
Angela Umback
p) 03 5018 8689
e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au