RESIDENTS are invited to the gala re-opening of the redeveloped historic Warburton Mechanics Institute Hall next week.
Shire of Yarra Ranges Mayor Monika Keane will host the celebration, which will feature a community ‘variety half hour’ of live entertainment.
Cr Keane said she was looking forward to seeing the hall come back to life.
There has been a Mechanics Institute Hall on the current site for the past 120 years. The current hall was built in 1913 and incorporates the former hall as its stage. Both have been restored to their former glory.
“The Warburton Mechanics Institute Hall is very much a part of Warburton’s landscape, but it’s been closed up and left in the dark for more than 15 years,” Cr Keane said.
“This celebration is the perfect way to welcome the hall back to the heart of the community.”
The re-opening celebrations will have a touch of the hall’s glory days with the opportunity to dance the night away to Melbourne swing band The B Sharp 6.
There’ll also be a host of free entertainment including performances by local tap dancers, the Taptations, belly-dancing group Zaar, the Sooper Dooper Circus, the Upper Yarra Theatre Company and other special guests.
“The community has worked hard to see the iconic hall redeveloped,” Cr Keane said.
“The celebration is a great way to celebrate and thank the community for its hard work and patience.”
Cr Keane said the redevelopment was made possible through community, shire, state and federal funding.
The gala re-opening is at the hall from 7pm to 11pm on Saturday, 16 December. Entry is free, but a gold coin donation to contribute to the cost of furnishing the hall would be appreciated. Drinks are available at bar prices.
For more information contact the Upper Yarra Arts Centre on 5966 5160.
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