Reviving the Mechanics'

Victoria once had more than one thousand Mechanics' Institutes scattered across the state. In many cases Institute halls were the first public building in a town, and today they are often the last.

Great Western

To obtain a complete picture of the heritage these organisations provided, the Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria Incorporated has been digitising the local records held by halls & institutes.

Murtoa

Records are sometimes held by the halls themselves, or with the local council, historical society, or museum, even with private individuals and trustees.
The digitisation process is funded from both philanthropic and government grant money.

Rainbow

After MIVic have made digital copies, the originals are returned to the records owner or provider along with a digital CD of the records. Copyright remains with the records owner.
Locally, records which have already been digitised are:  Apsley, Corack, Donald, Edenhope, Laen, Langkoop, Poolaijelo, Rich Avon West, St Arnaud, and Stuart Mill.

If you have Mechanics Institute records just waiting for the opportunity to be digitised, contact the Scanning Project Coordinator Judith Dwyer at mirc@mivic.org.au

Halls at home

Home is Where the Hall is is a grassroots, community arts initiative produced by Regional Arts Victoria.
During the month of November halls across regional Victoria will be presenting a range of activities, selected and designed by the local community.

The Hopetoun Town Hall built in 1922

2011 signalled the inaugural event, and during the month of November that year over 70 halls from Emu to Mollyulah presented a huge range of activities, selected and designed by the local community, from bake-offs to dance competitions, photography exhibitions to film nights.
Events this year will be held  from 1st to 30th November, they can be used as a fundraiser, to attract new committee members, to support local artists and performers, or to connect with other halls across Victoria.

The Langkoop Hall rebuilt after the 1951 bushfire

St Arnaud Town Hall opened in 1870, the WWI Memorial was added in 1928, and an extension in 1935

Stawell Town Hall complete with clock and Westminster chimes

 Home is Where the Hall is will be a fantastic and fun way to celebrate these vital community hubs.