Factory opens doors to public

CASEY’S new performing arts rehearsal centre has been officially named, thanks to the suggestion of a Cranbourne North resident.
The Factory Rehearsal Centre for the Arts will open in east Cranbourne later this year and its name was officially announced at the opening of the 2006 City of Casey Winter Arts Program and mayoral arts dinner on Monday.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford congratulated resident Yvonne van der Horst for entering her suggestion, which inspired the facility’s new name.
“This dedicated performing arts rehearsal venue is currently under construction and will be a first of its kind in Australia. “It’s fantastic that a local resident inspired the new name for this facility as part of the recent naming competition.
“As a result, Ms van der Horst has not only won a gift voucher prize, but has also become a part of local history in the making.”
Cr Bradford said it was the judging panel’s view that the new name reflected a place in which people manufacture or create a product – in this case, the performing arts.
The name also has a historical significance, as it was the former site of the Sperry-New Holland factory precinct, which was one of the largest local employers for the area.
The chair of the Casey Arts and Cultural Reference Group, Cr Wayne Smith, said: “The Factory Rehearsal Centre for the Arts, was a catchy name with personality and an identity which would appeal to the many users of the facility, as well as the whole community.
“I’m looking forward to the opening of The Factory later this year, which will be an outstanding venue for performing artists and community groups around Casey.”
Ms Van der Horst said she had brainstormed many ideas and words before coming up with her final entry.
She said she had wanted something that was catchy and easy to say and remember.