Upgrade to lift tourism in Waroona

With a resurgence in tourism and a push to explore our own backyard, the Waroona Visitor Centre will undergo a revamp.

The renovation will allow for the safe storage of art, added tourism benefits and a potential meeting room for community groups.

It also has a gallery which showcases artists from the region and sells handmade goods.

Artist Christine Hyde, who has been volunteering at the centre since 1992, said she was looking forward to the new space.

“It will be great for the town, it is such a beautiful building and it celebrates local produce,” Mrs Hyde said.

The Waroona resident has her mosaics, kitchen towels and embroideries on display in the cottage crafts exhibition and said her inspiration came from her surroundings.

“I live on a farm and there are a lot of blue wrens in my garden, so I incorporate them into my art,” she said.

Mrs Hyde said she had spent the isolation period making new art.

Centre manager Tracy Goldsworthy said the pandemic had highlighted the need of being self-sufficient and less reliant on other countries.

“I think the virus showed us how important it is to support locals,” she said.

Waroona shire president Mike Walmsley said the renovation would help to boost tourism in the region.