Canberra's newest region Ginninderry opens its display village

Ginninderry, set to be the first ACT/NSW border region, is opening its display village to the public for the first time this weekend.

ACT Minister for Suburban Development Yvette Berry officially launched the village on Friday morning.

There are 18 homes in the display but they won’t be the only parts of the village with sustainability initiatives, a local arts trail, and a mobile app to complement the properties.

“We set ourselves a challenge to deliver a display village with a difference – a place that inspires visitors and increases their understanding about what’s possible when it comes to sustainability, modern design and smart planning,” said Ginninderry project director Steve Harding. 

“The result is a demonstration village which brings together 18 incredible homes, the latest sustainability features and products, some really interesting displays and a unique arts trails.”

The display village has been dubbed GX – short for Ginninderry Experience – with the GX mobile app the first of its kind for a display village in Australia. 

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“The GX app gives visitors the ability to scan markers on favourite homes, products, features, and art to unlock additional information and build their own favourites list,” said Ginninderry marketing and communications manager Niva Pryor said.

“Digitising the experience with different trails is a first for a display village anywhere in Australia so we’re really excited about that.”

Along with the art trail that will be integrated through the village, the display homes will be fitted out with adornments from local artists, with Ginninderry community and cultural planning manager Susan Davis working close with the arts community to set this up.

“In this world of ‘fast-retail’, most display homes are decorated with mass-produced products but we saw an opportunity to engage our incredible arts community and the result is the commissioning of more than 100 pieces for local arts ranging from paintings to ceramics, sculpture and glasswork,” she said.

“Our builders have selected a number of pieces to be featured in each home and visitors will be able to use the GX app to find out more about the artists and each piece.”

People can check out the display village this Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. There will be a special guest appearance from Scott Cam of The Block.