The Mirboo North Shire Hall Committee of Management have recently purchased a large screen with an in-built projector thanks to a grant from the Mirboo North Community Recovery Fund. This equipment will ensure that the Shire Hall is properly kitted out for large community meetings, when these are needed, and for on-going music, theatrical and film events which take place at the hall all year round.
Prior to this purchase, users of the Shire Hall needed to bring their own audio visual equipment and manually erect and connect it for each event. This would have to be done at short notice in the event of a meeting during a crisis. The installation of the rear projection facilities with a moveable screen will considerably reduce volunteer time and effort to bring events and meetings together at the Shire hall.
The Shire Hall Committee of Management was supported in their application by the Mirboo North Arts group, who regularly use the Shire Hall to bring people together for musical performances, theatre and film nights.
New Projector & Screen for Mirboo North Shire Hall
“The screen and rear projector enhance the versatility of the Shire Hall,” says Michael Quigley of the Committee of Management. “Not only can it provide easily accessible information during public meetings in times of crises, it can also be used by local groups to project background images including stage sets for live music and theatrical performances, as well as films.”
“Importantly, this equipment also enables live-streaming of public meetings or events to a much wider audience than the capacity of the hall itself,” says Brian Doherty, videographer and member of Mirboo North Arts Inc. “This facility would have been quite useful at the public meeting post the Feb ’24 storm when only half of the people who came, could fit into the hall.”
Supported by the Arts, Built for the Community
“We thank the volunteer Mirboo North Shire Hall Committee of Management for making this application,” says Ruth Rogan of the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation. “Not only does this committee look after this important community space in our town, but it is also improving its usability for the community. We hope that this equipment is primarily used for music, theatre and film, but it is nice to know that it will be there when the need arises for a public meeting after a crisis.”
The Mirboo North Community Recovery Fund, which supported this grant, is made up of donations from individuals, community organisations, business and government. Of the $95,000 raised, more than $60,000 has already gone back into recovery projects. The remaining funds will continue to support gatherings and events, projects to improve resilience, disaster preparedness and healing in our environment.
If you have any ideas that you think would be a good fit, reach out to Ruth on info@mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au.