Project 1
Hall works upgrade
Project Schedule: January 2017 - Feb 2018.
The Birregurra enLIGHTen Me Small Town Transformation project is a two-year arts project that aims to creatively inspire increased community use of Birregurra Hall and transform it in to a well-used and well-equipped facility with a financially sustainable future. An important part of this process means an number of facility and technical upgrades will take place to ensure it is compliant with current building codes, is inclusive for all abilities and has sufficient technical capabilities expected in today’s environment.
​
These works may include:
-
Installation of a DDA compliant disability toilet in the Seniors Room
-
Installation of a new DDA compliant disability ramp and space for disability parking
-
Climatic upgrades including insulation and draft proofing including under stage area
-
Removal of asbestos in the stage area and entrance foyer
-
Replacement of concertina doors in the supper room with acoustic alternative
-
Replacement of all blinds
-
Interior painting of supper room and senior citizens
-
Replacement of carpet in supper room
-
Update of entrance foyer and ticket booth
-
Installation of airlock doors in male toilets
-
Cosmetic update of all toilet areas
-
New doorway on the western wall connecting the Senior Citizens room to the landscaped area
-
Like for like window replacement at the front of the hall
-
Installation of LED gallery style lighting in supper room and senior citizens room
-
Installation of professional stage sound and lighting system
-
Refurbishment of stage area including stage backdrop curtains and painting
-
Reinstatement and refurbishment of dressing room including new window
In addition to these changes, a significant program of COS maintenance will take place to coincide with the project including (but not limited to):
-
Repairs to and some replacement of roof and guttering
-
Repairs to tiled window sills
-
Repairs to and some replacement of damaged internal and external doors
Aspects of the hall that will not alter include:
-
Hall façade (apart from like-for-like replacement of front windows)
-
Floor in the main hall area
All physical alterations are subject to COS planning and building permits. Since August 2016, a series of consultation and information sessions have been held with key stakeholders including Colac Otway Shire, Birregurra Hall Committee and Birregurra Senior Citizens, to help guide the shape of the upgrades.
For any questions relating to this project, please contact Chris Barter on 0418 592 819 or email enlightenbirre@gmail.com
Project 2
Civic entrance and village green landscape
Project Schedule: January 2017 - Feb 2018.
Sensitive and low maintenance landscape improvements are being planned for the hall’s Main Street entrance and west lawn area (between Main St and Birregurra Community Health Centre). Landscape designer Lisa Stafford has been commissioned to design and create beautiful, sensitive and functional spaces that celebrate the hall’s history and strengthen community connection.
Low maintenance functional landscaping of the west wing lawn area to allow for extension of hall events, small outdoor events, senior citizens use and general public use and amenity
Click HERE to download the Final Landscape Briefing Document.
This briefing document has been prepared by the Small Town Transformations Oversight Team (inc volunteer community members) and developed based on:
-
Existing conditions,
-
Current hall development plans,
-
Colac Otway Shire consultation,
-
Birregurra Hall Committee consultation,
-
Senior Citizens consultation,
-
Historical Centre consultation (for memorial and roses) and
-
Community feedback gathered to date including feedback from the draft plan.
This brief will inform the Masterplan Design provided by appointed landscape designer Lisa Stafford.
For any questions relating to this project, please email enlightenbirre@gmail.com
Project 3
Collaborative mural project with Gunditjmara artist, Joey Chatfield
Project Schedule: August 20th 2017 start through to Jan 2018
Major Event Opening: Jan/Feb 2018
This is a collaborative project between community members, local painters and Gunditjmara artist, Joey Chatfield—using a range of traditional aboriginal and contemporary painting methods to develop a significant community created artwork that tells the story of Birregurra’s community with the hall representing the traditional community “meeting place.
​
Chatfield will lead a sequence of workshops made up of cultural investigation, symbolism and painting methods followed by sessions for designing and creating the mural. Once the design is finalised, casual weekly sessions will be scheduled over a 3-4 month period allowing participants to work on the mural until it is complete.
​
Local painters and visual artists are invited to contribute their skills to the project and assist in the development and production of the mural. If you are keen to be involved, please contact Arts Development Project Manager, Fiona via enlightenbirre@gmail.com.
WHO’S IT FOR? Community members from Birregurra, Deans Marsh, Pennyroyal, Warncoort, Barwon Downs, Yeodene, Gerangamete and Forrest aged 12+ yrs. A separate project with Joey Chatfield will take place at Birregurra Primary School.
WHEN WILL IT GO DOWN? Kicks off Sun 20th Aug 10am-12.30pm followed by weekly sessions over 3-4 mths.
COST: FREE
Project 4
Live Art Finale Event
Project Schedule: End Oct 2017 - April 2018
Major Event: End April / Early May 2018
The Birregurra Mechanics Institute Hall is hosting a live art event created and directed by internationally acclaimed artist Craig Walsh and nationally recognised theatre maker, Gorkem Acaroglu (Metanoia Theatre).
​
Celebrating the fusion of old and new, histories and futures, this live art spectacular will be an outpouring of creative expression that defines the town of Birregurra's identity and its connection to its Mechanic's Hall. The event will knit performance, film, live music and storytelling seamlessly with Craig Walsh’s responsive projection artworks within the building and surrounding landscape.
​
Emerging, active and retired arts practitioners and theatre professionals currently living or previously from Birregurra and the Otways district are invited to help creatively shape and support this new work—working alongside Walsh and Acaroglu as part of the creative development process as well as the presentation of the work. The final work will unite professional artists with a supporting cast of community members in a work that crosses 3-4 hours on one single evening.
​
This multi-arts performance night gives will give local and visiting audiences a fresh insight into what is bubbling away in the hall and provide an insight into its history and possibilities for the future.
​
High level emerging, established and retired practitioners, groups or collectives from any live art form who are keen to support regional art and/or their community and district are invited to get involved.
​
Time commitment is negotiable and dependent on your availability. Small stipends and travel allowances are available.
​
There will also be opportunities for community members from around the district who have a interest in acting, writing, dance and technical production.
enLIGHTen Me Birregurra: I Have a HALL in my Heart is supported by Regional Arts Victoria’s Small Town Transformations—a Victorian State Government Initiative.
​
To express your interest in the project or to find out more, email enlightenbirrepm@gmail.com or call Fiona on 0414 060728.
www.craigwalsh.net
www.gorkemacaroglu.com
www.metanoiatheatre.com