21 Apr 2017 Shepparton News, Shepparton VIC (General News) by Rhiannon Tuffield City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Dinny Adem has labelled the new SAM a development that will put Shepparton on the map, following the announcement of the $35 million art museums designers. The council yesterday announced Denton Corker Marshall as the firm that will oversee the development, jointly funded by the council and the Victorian and federal governments. For the past two years, discussion of a new SAM has generated a mixed response from the community, but Cr Adem said it would be something that Greater Shepparton would ultimately be proud of. The new SAM will be so much more and do so much more and will become a significant project for Greater Shepparton, Cr Adem said. It will be a game-changer for the region, creating tourism and employment opportunities. It will provide a cultural centre to our regional city but will be more than an art museum it will be a place for learning and experiencing, socialising and celebrations. State Member for Northern Victorian Jaclyn Symes said SAM would be a beneficial investment for the region. Ms Symes said the project would inject $34.5 million into the local economy, generate 72 jobs and, once in operation, would increase visitor spending by almost $7 million a year. When we talk in Parliament about growing regions in Victoria, this is what were talking about, Ms Symes said. Just as infrastructure and investment is critical to ensure thriving regional towns, so too is culture, experiences and the coming together of the community. It will create local jobs, increase visitation, attract business investment and increase spending in the region. Caption Text: Defining: City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Dinny Adem says the new SAM will put Shepparton on the map. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence