“Benalla Migrant Camp Feasibility Study“
The Swist family in the early 1950s (Steph not pictured). Photo: Swist Family/Benalla Migrant Camp Exhibition Collection
The Camp
The Benalla Migrant Camp is one of Australia’s most significant post-war migration heritage sites. Between 1949 and 1967, approximately 60,000 migrants passed through the camp, making it one of the longest-running migrant centres in the nation. Today, the site represents an important chapter in both Benalla’s history and Australia’s migration story.
Benalla Rural City Council has undertaken a feasibility study to explore how the former migrant camp can be transformed into a sustainable heritage, tourism and community destination while preserving its unique historical significance. The study builds upon the recently completed Conservation Management Plan and complements the ongoing planning work for the broader Benalla Airport precinct.
Project Overview
The feasibility study investigates pathways to activate and restore the Benalla Migrant Camp site in a way that is financially sustainable, community-led and respectful of its heritage values.
Working alongside Benalla Migrant Camp Inc., heritage specialists, visitor experience designers and key stakeholders, the study examines how the site can be developed into a place where history, culture, education and community connection come together.
The project explores opportunities to:
- Protect and celebrate an important piece of Australia’s migration history.
- Increase visitation and strengthen Benalla’s cultural tourism offering.
- Create new opportunities for community events, exhibitions and education programs.
- Identify sustainable management and governance models for the site.
- Support future employment, volunteer pathways and training opportunities.
- Strengthen connections between the migrant camp and surrounding attractions, including the Benalla Art Gallery, Benalla Aviation Museum and wider arts and culture precinct.
What the study will deliver
The feasibility study has focused on developing a roadmap for the future of the site through several key areas of investigation.
- Sustainable Site Management
- Business Planning and Economic Opportunities
- Visitor Experience and Site Activation
- Partnerships and Collaboration
- Staged Development Opportunities
Together, these documents identify future development opportunities, infrastructure requirements and transport improvements needed to support long-term industrial growth across the precinct.
Why this project matters
The Benalla Migrant Camp is a unique asset within Victoria’s heritage landscape. Strong community advocacy and volunteer contributions over more than a decade have helped preserve the site and secure State Heritage Listing. Today, renewed interest in migration history, cultural tourism and authentic visitor experiences creates an opportunity to realise the site’s broader potential.
The feasibility study will help establish a clear direction for future investment, ensuring the site can be preserved, celebrated and activated for future generations while delivering benefits for the local community and visitor economy.
Project Status
Current Status: Feasibility Study Complete – Draft Report Received
The feasibility study is now in its final stages, providing Council and stakeholders with a detailed assessment of future opportunities, costs, governance models and staged development pathways for the Benalla Migrant Camp precinct.
The Study
Conservation Management Plan
Supported by:
