Bendigo celebrates its history and culture with new ‘Vahland’s Bendigo’ app launch via Isobar
Isobar and the city of Bendigo have just this morning launched a free app that celebrates the work of acclaimed architect William Charles Vahland.
The ‘Vahland’s Bendigo’ app uses Apple’s iBeacon technology to guide users to locations of Vahland’s work in central Bendigo.
It features photos and information about Bendigo’s most iconic places, designed by Vahland, including the Bendigo Town Hall, Bendigo Art Gallery, The Capital Theatre, the Rifle Brigade Hotel and The Alexandra Fountain.
The German migrant also nurtured the idea of the great Australian dream. He is thought to have designed a number of homes called ‘Vahland Villas’ and developed a loan scheme to help people move out of tents and work towards owning their own home. Today, that loan scheme is better known as the Bendigo Bank.
Bendigo City strategy manager, Trevor Budge, said the app aimed to encourage people to explore and celebrate the legacy of Vahland.
Says Budge: “We believe the City is the first Council in Victoria to use beacon technology to celebrate its heritage buildings and their significance.
“We hope that it provides an interesting and useful resource for visitors and residents to learn more about some of Bendigo’s most familiar sights.”
Says Konrad Spilva, CEO, Isobar Group: “We believe technology has a strong role to play in the celebration of culture and history in Australia particularly in rural and regional Australia, which tend to be under represented in both technology and design.
“It’s exciting to see the city of greater Bendigo invest in mobile technology and continue to build their reputation as a regional arts and cultural hub.”