Since the Tallarook Mechanics Institute received its state-of-the-art renovation in November 2020, it has gone from “strength to strength”, said president of the TMI committee of management, Libby Webster.
“We’ve certainly hit the ground running,” Ms Webster said.
“The hall is so diverse, there is so many options with all the facilities. It can have so many more groups and activities.”
The dedicated volunteer committee has been busily securing grants to bring a slice of Australia’s vibrant arts and culture scene to Tallarook.
Here’s a look at what is coming up at the TMI.
Farmers’ market
The iconic indoor/outdoor farmers’ market is held on the first Sunday of the month.
Visitors can expect 40 to 60 stalls with a wide range of products, from fresh produce to plants, hand crafts, and pet supplies. And of course, coffee.
It is a unique chance to meet the makers and producers from the region, offering a quality that you simply cannot find on supermarket shelves.
Ms Webster said championing local producers was a key to the market’s success.
“The whole farmers’ market ethos is having the farmer at the table. You can talk about the intricacy of farming with them. It is also a community get-together.”
“It certainly brings a lot more people to town.”
There is currently a job vacancy for a farmers’ market manager. If this sounds like the right job for you, visit www.tallarook.org.au
Live at the TMI
The TMI has recently secured a grant from Music Victoria to put on live music performances. There are three coming up that you will not want to miss.
Liz Stringer
Saturday, August 26 from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
Liz Stringer is a venerated guitarist and vocalist. Her notoriously powerful live performances and melodically rich, story-based songs have earned her a unique place among the most important Australian songwriters of the modern era.
Tickets are $52 for seated general admission and $40 for standing general admission.
Children aged 10 and under go free with a paid parent/guardian.
Kathleen Halloran and Minnie Marks
Friday, September 1 from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
Kathleen Halloran is a guitarist for Australian icon Kate Ceberano. Halloran tours and performs all around the country, and has graced many major festival stages.
Minnie Marks is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Marks consistently pushes musical limits with her mind-blowing, dynamic guitar wizardry and her insanely powerful voice, that roars out, sharing her truth through song.
Dan Sultan
Saturday, October 7 from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
As the sun sets on Taungurung Country, share and embrace Aboriginal culture with ‘Deadly at the TMI’.
Mick Harding will open the event with a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony. He will tell stories with soul-stirring songs, sung in Dhagungwurrung language, that celebrates Indigenous traditions and pays homage to the land.
Dan Sultan will be the headline act. He is known for his soulful voice, powerful storytelling and magnetic stage presence.
The support act will be Madi Colville Walker, a young up-and-coming First Nations performer.
Yoga classes
Yoga classes will be returning to the TMI on Wednesday, December 13, 6pm to 7pm.
All ages and skill levels are welcome. Classes are $20 per person or $15 for a concession.
The classes provide a space for connection for anyone interested in self-care and healthy living. Learn how to relax together and discover the joys of yoga.
What else?
There is plenty more on the way.
The Tallarook Art Committee (AKA ‘Tart’), alongside Regional Arts Victoria, is planning to host a comedy magic show in March 2024 called Sass and secrets.
An erosion scar on the southern side of the block will be fixed by Mitchell Shire Council in the next 12 months, meaning the land will be able to be used.
“The market will be able to expand and we will have a lot more space,” Ms Webster said.
“We are looking at putting a nature playground in as well as play equipment and we are just thrilled that Mitchell Shire is supporting us to do that.”
The space is also open to private celebrations from weddings to funerals or birthdays.
For venue hire, visit www.tallarook.org.au