More development unveiled at GIJ site

A MAJOR new chapter in the continued growth of Generations in Jazz was marked on Saturday afternoon, with the official opening of the festival’s brand-new Amenities Block.

The facility was formally opened by The Hon Kyam Maher, Deputy Premier of South Australia with Rick Allert AO on site during the 2026 festival, in front of festival organisers, sponsors, and members of the community.

The new Amenities Block represents a significant investment in the future of Generations in Jazz and the broader Mount Gambier region. Designed to support the thousands of students, educators, performers, and visitors who attend the festival each year, the permanent facility delivers a major improvement in comfort, accessibility, and sustainability.

Generations in Jazz, established in 1987, has grown into one of Australia’s most celebrated regional music festivals, attracting more than 5,000 students and thousands of visitors annually. The addition of this permanent infrastructure ensures the event can continue to expand while enhancing the overall experience for all who attend.

Beyond the festival weekend, the Amenities Block will serve as a valuable community asset, enabling the site to host events year-round and further contributing to the region’s cultural and economic development.

Importantly, the project delivers significant environmental benefits, reducing the festival’s reliance on temporary portable toilets and minimising the associated transport, servicing, and chemical waste. The Hon Kyam Maher, Deputy Premier of South Australia was delighted to be in Mount Gambier for the official opening, thanking all those involved in bringing the new Amenities Block to life, in particular the many local businesses who supported the project. Their collective contribution has helped deliver a lasting piece of infrastructure that will support generations of young musicians and visitors for years to come.

Generations in Jazz board member, John Pratt said the opening marked a proud and important moment in the festival’s history.

“This is a transformational project for Generations in Jazz. It not only improves the experience for everyone who attends the festival, but it also strengthens our ability to grow, evolve, and continue inspiring young musicians well into the future,” they said.

Generations in Jazz remains committed to its mission of inspiring the next generation of musicians, educators, and audiences through world-class performance, education, and community connection.

This milestone project would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity and support of local businesses, contractors, and individuals who contributed funding, materials, and labour. Generations in Jazz extends its sincere thanks to:

BORG, Cabinets by Michael, Cleves Family, Fluid Environmental, Frank Brennan, Gambier Earth Movers, Hickinbotham Homes, Hydroscope, Hirth Plumbing, Jeff Feast, JM & MI Vaughan, JT Certification Services, K&B Timber & Hardware, Kieran Ashby Hard Surface Flooring, Kimberly-Clark, Norms Plumbing, Steeline, Stuckey Electrical, Timberlink, Tonkin, Tony Agostinelli, and Quickmix Concrete.