THE first instalment of rocks has arrived at the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre (VDC) for the new rock garden funded by the Southern Grampians Shire Council, part of a $330,000 upgrade to the VDC to take place over the next six months.

Penshurst is remarkable for its historical significance to western Victoria, with its geographical location within an internationally unique volcanic landscape at the foot of Mount Rouse, a dormant volcano.

Various types of rocks have been locally sourced to complement the VDC and the tourism experience for the thousands of visitors to the Centre every year.

Rocks have been donated by the Myers family of Grampians Sandstone in Dunkeld, and from Gregor, Mary-Lou McDonald and family, from the Kolor quarry at the base of Mount Rouse.

VDC president, Paul Callander, said some stones had already been delivered but there were more on the way from Bamstone at Port Fairy, Batesford, Mackenzie Creek and Harcourt quarries.

“Most of the rocks that we are getting will be donated or at least a lot cheaper than normal and then we will only have to worry about the transportation of them – and that will be a significant undertaking,” he said.

“Some of them weigh two or three tonnes.

“In total there will end up being around 25 tonnes of rocks delivered.”

Mr Callander said the VDC has a strong working relationship with Monash University consultant Dr James Driscoll, who was assisting with sourcing the stone from the quarries.

“Dr Driscoll is giving his time free of charge because of his strong interest in the volcanic landscape,” Mr Callander said.

“It is part of his role at the university.

“He goes to schools and talks to teachers to set up their geology curriculum.

“We (the VDC committee) designed the rock garden ourselves, but Dr Driscoll is responsible for detail.”

Mr Callander said the SGSC funding would also go towards the upgrade of the main display area inside the VDC building.

“It’s been over ten years and so we are bringing it up to date with modern technology and the latest research information,” he said.

“We anticipate the project will be finished by the end of the year.

“The design is not completely finalised but will cover an area of about 40 metres by seven metres.”

Mr Callander said that the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority were assisting with the project and advising what native plants to use in the rock garden.

“Specifically, the plants of cultural significance to the local Indigenous peoples,” he said.

“We wanted to make sure the story of the First Nations people is included and told as broadly as possible.”

The VDC is appropriately located in the middle of the third largest volcanic plain on earth and hosts an informative display of all types of volcanoes and volcanic activity in Western Victoria.

Local volunteers give guided tours to the many annual visitors around the VDC and take guests to the education room for a presentation on volcanoes and offer a hands-on experience with different types of volcanic rock.

Prior to the pandemic, the centre was open every day, but since restrictions have eased, recruiting volunteers has been a challenge so it is now just open on the weekend.

“We are only open every​ Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm now, and school holidays from 11am - 3pm,” Mr Callander said.

“We are always looking for new volunteers, so if anyone is interested in helping, we’d welcome them.”