The proposed business plan to transform the vacant former Dimboola Hotel site in Lloyd Street into a eatery and function centre has been released.

The Dimboola Social Enterprise Plan, which has been worked on by current owner of the site, Graeme Scheider and local businesswoman Mary Clarke, presents the vision of the eatery which proposes to have the restaurant opened in September 2019 which would be managed by an elected board.

The Preliminary Investigation Dimboola Social Enterprise Plan 116-120 Lloyd Street, Dimboola document which was released last week, outlines the project including the objectives, funding, legal structure, Board of Management and many other aspects of the project.

The objectives of the project as outlined in the report include:

  • Create a significant central community and cultural hub with unique public botanic gardens
  • Engage all ages and cultures
  • Provide facilities for pop-up shops, markets and events, allowing individual artists, collectors, craftspeople and community groups to exhibit and trade
  • Function facilities for culturally significant exhibitions: historical, indigenous, schools and arts
  • Further expansion of festival facilities such as the annual Dimboola Food Festival and Lions Club Christmas pageant
  • Facilities for performing arts and music
  • Facilities for education, health and social programs
  • Establish a trading business whose profit funds the maintenance of the property
  • Provide quality services to day travellers to encourage overnight stays
  • Build upon existing government initiatives to expand local tourism
  • Promote Dimboola as a destination for day visitors with particular focus on the Horsham market
  • Increase traffic to benefit business, create jobs and revenue beyond the venture itself
  • Provide employment and training for youth and underprivileged
  • Work alongside indigenous organisations to showcase indigenous culture
  • Further expand on eco-tourism by showcasing native botanicals for consumption and medical use
  • Provide a native garden and link with local Wail and Dimboola nurseries
  • Focus on environmentally sustainable practices

    The intention is it to transform this iconic Dimboola address with a project that will benefit the whole community.

    Members of the community are encouraged to read the full report which is available either from the Dimboola Library or online.

    Feedback is then encouraged before the first meeting of the board which is to be held in August, with those wishing to contribute at this point urged to submit responses to Dimboola Wandjana, PO Box 160, Dimboola 3414 or online at www.facebook.com/DimboolaWandjana/ by July 31st 2017.

    If you would prefer a personal consultation please contact Mary Clarke on 0418 340 724 or email Graeme Schneider at bbb@mcmedia.com.au.