For the first time this October, Open House Latrobe offers a rare opportunity to step inside some of the Latrobe City region’s most intriguing buildings, infrastructure and landscapes, many of which are ordinarily closed to the public.
Spanning Moe, Traralgon, Morwell, Yallourn and Yallourn North, Yinnar and Churchill, Open House Latrobe opens the doors to places that reveal the region’s remarkable industrial, environmental and cultural story, from historic buildings and open mines to water treatment plants and landfill sites.
A region rich in First Nations’ history and the colonial settlement that became the coal mining and energy powerhouse for Victoria, Latrobe City is experiencing a period of significant change, driven by the change of jobs, community-led renewal and the transition of its energy sector.
Open House Latrobe offers a unique opportunity to explore this evolving story. This unmissable event is a collaboration between Open House Melbourne and Latrobe City Council.
Open House Melbourne Executive Director and Chief Curator, Dr Tania Davidge, explained this special first for the Latrobe region. “Open House Melbourne is an organisation that celebrates good design by opening up buildings, places and spaces, connecting people to place and inspiring public engagement in conversations about the future of our cities and regions,” said Davidge.
“Open House Latrobe will celebrate the places, stories and communities that make the Latrobe region unique. Locals and visitors travelling to the region are invited to step inside remarkable buildings, explore significant places and enjoy experiences that will reveal the Latrobe region from a new perspective.”
“There’s something for everyone to discover. Open House Melbourne has previously produced hugely popular regional Open House festivals in Ballarat and Bendigo, and we are thrilled to partner with the Latrobe City Council on this very special event,” said Davidge.
“Open House Latrobe is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the places, stories and communities that make our region unique,” said Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson. “From industrial heritage sites and cultural institutions to civic spaces and natural landscapes, the program will bring to life the landmarks that have shaped our past and continue to influence our future.”
“The festival encourages people to discover something new about Latrobe City, celebrate our strengths, and gain a deeper appreciation of the places that make it such a special community.”
Open House Latrobe Program Highlights:
Latrobe Valley Law Courts – the site of the recent Erin Patterson trial, Latrobe Valley Law Courts serves as the headquarters and judicial venue for criminal, civil, and family law across Gippsland.
Latrobe City Commercial Landfill Facility and PineGro – this tour is totally rubbish! Go behind the scenes of the region’s landfill and biogas electricity generator to learn how household waste is processed in Latrobe City.
EnergyAustralia Yallourn Mine Tour – Yallourn Power Station – or simply Yallourn – has provided both the state and nation with electricity since the 1920s. In preparation for Yallourn’s closure, EnergyAustralia is offering the opportunity to peek behind the fence to view the Yallourn Mine and learn about its potential future.
CHEAP-SKATE at Moe Skatepark – a free, family-friendly outdoor music and skating extravaganza in the Moe Library forecourt by the popular CHEAP-SKATE, the brainchild of Blaike Murphy, a garage-rock artist from Gippsland.
Traralgon Water Treatment Plant–Gippsland Water – Tour the plant with Gippsland Water staff and learn how water is treated before being delivered to the tap.
Latrobe Regional Gallery – go behind the scenes and see the collection of 1,600 artworks in storage of the recently updated gallery. Housed in the former Town Hall, built in 1936, Latrobe Regional Gallery is the region’s most significant art institution.
Latrobe Valley Maltese Museum – Australia’s first and only museum dedicated to Maltese culture and heritage, celebrating the La Trobe’s sizeable Maltese diaspora. Take a guided tour with founder Mario Sammut through the museum’s collection at this living cultural centre.
Yallourn Production Centre – currently active as a community and heritage education hub, the site is a former coal-fired electricity plant that was the initiative of Sir John Monash and opened in 1924.
Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve – Only 1.5 kilometres from Traralgon CBD, take a guided tour through the Reserve – a popular destination for birdwatchers, picnickers, photographers, nature-lovers and walkers.
COLLECTIVE ENERGY (Friday 9 October 3.30pm – 7.30pm) – a fascinating series of talks exploring the enduring cultural, ecological and archaeological narratives that have shaped the Latrobe Valley over thousands of years; the region’s early settlement townships; identity as a coal and power economic powerhouse; and how communities will navigate regional transition by balancing environmental stewardship, economic transformation and social wellbeing.
Open House Latrobe will run 9 – 11 October 2026. Tickets available from Wednesday 9 September. For more information and full program., visit: www.openhousemelbourne.org for details.
Images: Latrobe Regional Gallery – courtesy of Latrobe Regional Gallery | Yallourn Production Centre, 1920s, colourised (supplied)