New programs bring more visitors through doors

WULANDA Recreation and Convention Centre has kicked off this year with a diverse program of activities and events in keeping with the City of Mount Gambier’s ongoing investment in high quality, flexible facilities that strengthen community connection and support Mount Gambier’s vision as a world class regional capital.

Already this year, council was supporting the delivery of South Australia’s first 24 week Walking Football Program at Wulanda, delivered in partnership with the Office for Recreation and Sport’s Connected and Active Communities pilot program and Flinders University.

The free program runs through to September this year and supports men aged 55 years and over to remain active and socially connected.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said initiatives such as Walking Football play an important role in supporting healthy ageing and social connection.

“Programs like this help remove barriers to participation and provide opportunities for people to stay active while building social connections,” Mayor Martin said. “That is particularly important in regional communities.”

A six week Multicultural Women’s Only Swim and Water Safety Program, facilitated by Royal Life Saving SA, has also been delivered at Wulanda.

Twenty-two women and their children participated in the program, made possible by the warm water pool, private change facilities, courts, function room and on site creche.

City of Mount Gambier people place and liveability general manager Chris White said the program demonstrates how council facilities could be used flexibly to meet community needs.

“Providing culturally safe environments and practical supports such as on site child care helps ensure more people can participate and feel welcome,” Mr White said.

Wulanda also hosted cultural activity, The Dome, an immersive 360 degree cinema experience presented by Adelaide Fringe and the University of Adelaide.

The event transformed the timber courts into a curved theatre for one week, bringing large scale cultural programming to Mount Gambier.

Mayor Martin said access to cultural experiences locally is an important part of community wellbeing.

“By hosting innovative cultural events at Wulanda, we are ensuring residents and visitors can experience high quality programming without having to travel to metropolitan centres,” she said.

The centre’s role as a business events venue was further demonstrated through Council hosting the Law Society of South Australia’s 2026 Country Conference from February 27 to March 1 this year.

The three day conference attracted delegates for professional learning and networking, delivering an estimated spend of around $1000 per person per day in the local economy.

Mayor Martin said business events generate significant flow on benefits for the city.

“Events like this deliver real economic benefit for local businesses while also showcasing Mount Gambier as a destination for high quality conferences,” she said. “Wulanda gives us the capacity to attract and host events of this scale.”