Bonegilla Project under way.

Bonegilla Heritage Committe Member Dennis Beeley, and Mara Ronald of Wodonga City Counci, at the Bonegilla site.

Wodonga City Council and parklands propose commissioning a preferred option for the development of a cultural and tourism center of notional significance at the former Migrant Centre at Bonegilla.

This follows investigation and evaluation of the project and presentation of preliminary concepts at a public forum in Albury on 15 November.

The project focus is on Block 19 on a 14.9ha site, adjacent to Lake Hume, at the former Bonegilla Centre. This block is the last remaining physical reminder of the Australian post-war migration program.

Between 1947 and 1971 the Bonegilla center was effectively the first Australian home for over 320,000 migrants from more that 30 countries. Their descendant's now total 1.5 million.

Block 19 will become a major cultural tourism destination commemorating the contribution made by migrants to Australia and enhance understanding of migrant history and multiculturalism. It will also host community and artistic activities.

parklands have assumed responsibility for managing and developing the site through its Block 19 Heritage Committee. Cox Sanderson Ness Architects, in a joint venture with Macroplan Economists, has been engaged to establish a number of base options for development of the site.

The Victorian Government has earmarked $2 million over two years for initial development and $97,000 has been received from the Commonwealth Cultural Heritage Program.

The Chairman of parklands, Cliff Swatton, said, "Key aims of the project are to provide a commercially viable and sustainable development option for the site that maintains a strong Bonegilla Migrant Centre connection.

The Mayor of Wodonga, Cr John Watson, said, "Contributions and participation by migrant groups, individuals and organizations will help us realize our vision for this outstanding project."

Individuals or organizations wishing to assist with the project can register their interest by mailing contact details to Block 19, City of Wodonga, Victoria 3689