A photograph of the West Gippsland Arts Centre framework in October 1980.
The accompanying caption in The Gazette described the framework as "already beginning to tower over the Warragul skyline".
It added work on the $2.1 million building was proceeding exactly to schedule and the arts centre should be completed at the contract time of September 1981.
The journey to developing the arts centre was an unbelievable saga, starting in the early 70s.
The Warragul Shire Council initially asked if a government subsidy was available for a public auditorium in Warragul. Instead, the state government decided to situate a regional performing arts centre for Gippsland in the town.
Initially, the state government provided $1.9 million for the project, with the shire expected to contribute $100,000 and land in Civic Park, between the council offices and library.
The cost of the project escalated during the build. When funds ran out with the building half complete, council very seriously considered closing it down.
The Gazette described the opening of the arts centre in July 1982 as "almost a minor miracle", as costs had soared to $4.1 million and ratepayers were forced to contribute $830,000 plus land.
However, the arts centre has gone on to play a pivotal role in Warragul in the 40 years since, having recently enjoyed a record year after a $14.1 million refurbishment completed in late 2018.
Photograph and information courtesy of The Gazette.