Magic and mystery in Tallarook
Disaster struck the Tallarook Mechanics Institute (TMI) Hall in 2018 when an electric fire razed the building.
Since then, a complete reversal of fate has led the hall to become a considerable community asset.
A $200,000 government grant, combined with council and community group support, has turned the hall into a state-of-the-art facility.
Its modern appointments include a commercial grade kitchen and features like baby change facilities, a gender neutral toilet and wheelchair assess that mean the space is comfortable for everyone.
Venue co-ordinator and TMI committee secretary Alan Wright said the hall was a space for the whole community.
“We want to encourage people to visit it, use it, hire it for their own events,” Mr Wright said.
“There is a commercial rate to hire by the hour for everybody but for community groups and not-for-profits. There are huge discounts for using the hall for those purposes.
“It is another way of making the hall accessible because it is not expensive to use.”
The acoustic treatment of the space supports the experience of high-calibre live music performances.
To make the most of this, the TMI committee is running a ticketed program called ‘Live at the TMI’ where once a month talented performers and creatives from across Australia come to Tallarook.
“We want people asking the question, what’s on at the TMI this month?” Mr Wright said.
Performers to grace the space so far have included Lost Rajas, Jeff Lang and Sing a Song of Six Pence.
On November 19, ARIA award-winning artist Mia Dyson will be bringing her stunning bluesy performance to Tallarook — one to book the
babysitter for, according to Mr Wright.
However, this month’s performance is one the kids are guaranteed to love.
Melbourne’s debonair cirque-magic showman The Quizzical Mr Jeff brings a combination of wonder, excitement and humour to his twohour performance.
In his all-ages show, Mr Jeff explores a
mysterious room where he uses circus to bring objects to life and combines acrobatics and juggling with magic and humour.
The show is run on a Sunday afternoon at 3pm, so you can have the kids home in time for dinner.
Volunteers from the Tallarook community will staff the kitchen and bar, with a delicious offering of gourmet beef/vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free burgers and fries, cold soft drinks, hot drinks and a licensed bar.
There will also be a raffle with donations from local businesses.
For more information about the show, visit