Tallarook Mechanics Institute rebuild

Consultation has concluded

The historic Tallarook Mechanics Institute is being rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire on Saturday 5 May 2018.

Established in 1891, the council-owned building was operated by a voluntary Committee of Management.

Over the years it has been used for dances, fundraisers, meetings and a host of community events. More recently, the building was home to the Tallarook Farmers’ Market and a range of classes and community activities.

During demolition, a number of parts were able to be salvaged for samples to assist with the rebuild including samples of pressed metal, the windows and the colour scheme.

The iconic garden sculptures have also been retained.

Council is working with the volunteer Committee of Management and the wider Tallarook community to develop plans to rebuild.

The historic Tallarook Mechanics Institute is being rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire on Saturday 5 May 2018.

Established in 1891, the council-owned building was operated by a voluntary Committee of Management.

Over the years it has been used for dances, fundraisers, meetings and a host of community events. More recently, the building was home to the Tallarook Farmers’ Market and a range of classes and community activities.

During demolition, a number of parts were able to be salvaged for samples to assist with the rebuild including samples of pressed metal, the windows and the colour scheme.

The iconic garden sculptures have also been retained.

Council is working with the volunteer Committee of Management and the wider Tallarook community to develop plans to rebuild.

Consultation has concluded

  • Historic Tallarook Mechanics Institute to be rebuilt after fire

    Media release | Friday 11 May, 2018

    The historic Tallarook Mechanics Institute will be demolished and rebuilt after irreparable damage was caused by a devastating fire last week.

    The hall, built in 1891, was gutted by fire late on Saturday 5 May.

    Independent structural engineer inspections undertaken this week revealed the damage was too great for the hall to be retained, including the façade which the CFA worked so hard to save.

    The council-owned building was insured and will be rebuilt, with the roof removed on Friday and further demolition works expected to begin next week and be completed within the next fortnight.

    Council will carefully salvage parts of the façade and as many other key features of the building as possible, such as samples of pressed metal, the windows and the colour scheme, so they can potentially be used to help with the rebuild, as well as protecting the garden sculptures during the demolition works.

    Council is working with the volunteer Committee of Management and the wider Tallarook community to determine the next steps to rebuild.

    Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson praised the Tallarook community for banding together during such a difficult time.

    “The Tallarook Mechanics Institute was such an important part of this town and it’s clear from the outpouring of emotion and support over the last few days just how much it meant to our community,” Cr Sanderson said.

    “Whilst we will never be able to replace the historic value of the building, the memories created there over the past 127 years can never be taken away.

    “We will now start the process of working with our community to rebuild and restore this vital community hub.

    “We’d like to thank everyone for their help during this difficult time, including our emergency services who battled so hard to save the building, as well as all those people from outside our community who have offered their support.”

    The Tallarook Mechanics Institute has a long history and was a hub for the small community.

    Over the years it has been used for dances, fundraisers, meetings and a host of community events. More recently, the building was home to the Tallarook Farmers’ Market and a range of classes and community activities.

    Council and the Committee of Management are working closely with these groups to facilitate alternative arrangements whilst the hall is being demolished and rebuilt.

    A community meeting to discuss the next steps will be held on Tuesday 15 May from 6pm at the Tallarook Recreation Reserve Pavilion.

  • Fire at Tallarook Mechanics Institute

    Media release | Monday 7 May 2018

    Tallarook Mechanics Institute was badly damaged by fire on Saturday night (5 May). Building inspections are underway to determine whether the historic building will need demolishing and whether any heritage aspects of the building can be salvaged. Insurers will also be on site today.

    Opened in 1891, the hall is a hub for the community with many regular activities, special events and functions held there including the popular monthly Tallarook Farmers' Market.

    The building is owned by Council and operated by a volunteer Committee of Management.
    Council provided support to enable the Tallarook Farmers Market to go ahead on Sunday at a nearby location.

    Council will work with the Committee and the community to support alternative arrangements for activities at the hall in the short to medium term and will work closely with the community as replacement options are developed.

    “This is heartbreaking for the community. There have been many fond memories shared amongst the community last night and today,” Cr Sanderson said.

    “The hall’s historic value cannot be replaced, but the memories and community spirit remain strong for this significant local community gathering place.

    “Council would like to thank the fire brigades who worked so hard to try to save the building. I’d also like to thank the other services, businesses and individuals who assisted on the night and the Committee of Management, Farmers’ Market organisers, stall holders and patrons for their support of the alternative market location on Sunday.

    “There was such a great show of community spirit to make the market happen. I have no doubt this spirit will continue to shine as we work with the community to explore options to replace the hall in the future and identify alternative arrangements for community events and functions in the meantime.”

    A community meeting will be held at 6pm at the Tallarook Recreation Reserve Pavilion on Tuesday 8 May to provide a community update. All welcome.