On December 11th, Governor of South Australia Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce joined City of Mount Gambier Mayor Steve Perryman and Senator for South Australia Alex Gallacher to officially opened the $8.6 million project.

One of the key elements of this precinct is the refurbishment of the iconic Kings Theatre Building (now known as the Riddoch Art Gallery) to ensure its long term historical preservation and for expanded enjoyment of the community and visitors. It includes a state of the art multipurpose interpretive centre and a theatrette which includes exhibition spaces for the community.

Haigh’s Chocolates’ association with Mount Gambier goes back more than 100 years. It was here in 1905 that Alfred Haigh opened a store making confectionery, ice creams and cool drinks.  This venture provided him enough capital to move to Adelaide to begin Haigh’s Chocolates in 1915 within the Beehive Corner building on King William Street.

Alfred closed his store in Mount Gambier in the 1920’s and his grandson John Haigh, later returned to the City in the 1950’s, opening counters within the Kings and Odeon Theatres which remained until 1969.

Given the historical significance of this region of South Australia to Haigh’s, the City Council of Mount Gambier invited us to be involved in the opening celebrations .  We are delighted to be a part of such a special event and supporting the community of Mount Gambier. It is wonderful that we bring back a connection to this city where success began for our founder Alfred in the confectionery business.

A limited range of Haigh’s Chocolates will be available for sale within the Riddoch Art Gallery Gift Shop from December 11th until the end of June 2012.