Gippsland’s rich heritage was on show today, with the official opening of the Gippsland Heritage Walk taking place in Morwell.

Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said the new Walk was a valuable regional attraction celebrating Gippsland’s rich history.

The new attraction is expected to draw large numbers of visitors for a variety of purposes such as recreation, culture, education, tourism and community events.

The Victorian Government contributed $140,000 to the project, which extends an existing walkway all the way round Morwell’s Kernot Lake.

Interpretive signage is installed at intervals around the walk, depicting the history of Gippsland from its Gunaikurnai origins and culture to European exploration to settlement, including industrial and social achievements in the region.

The walk also has extensive landscaping, including an avenue of trees, which reflects the changes in season, and helps define the pathway.

The walk is situated within the Gippsland Immigration Park, which is a celebration of the multicultural communities’ contribution to Gippsland.

The park, situated on the Princes Highway in Morwell, also hosts the annual Gippsland Multicultural Festival.

The project was managed by Gippsland Immigration Park Committee and supported by a number of community members.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“The completion of the heritage walk means Gippsland residents and visitors have yet another reason to take advantage of the recreational, educational and communal benefits that this park has to offer.”

“The Gippsland Heritage Walk delivers multiple outcomes for Morwell as a leisure precinct and also as a regional attraction, drawing a wide range of visitors from the state.”

“Supporting projects like this is the aim of the $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which will support major projects, create jobs and build stronger regional communities.”