MIV Historical Plaques Program #0061
Yarck Mechanics' Institute and Library (now referred to as the Yarck Hall). Officially opened 12th December 1888. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The hall was built to a design by architect Harry Browse Gibbs. Improvements and additions over the years have included: a stage in 1923; an extension to the hall, with a new supper room and kitchenette in 1938; an attached toilet block in 1973; a storage shed in 2007; and a major upgrade in 2015 with the supper room enlarged, a new commercial standard kitchen area, a north facing verandah, and a porch to the supper room. The title was transferred to the Crown in 1967. Over the long life of the Hall it has been used for dances, meetings, badminton, public events, parties, funerals, drama and music shows. This plaque, No. 61 in the MIV series, was placed here by the community of Yarck in recognition of those who have cared for the Hall for the past 130 years.
Maroondah Highway, Yarck, VI, Australia
Subjects
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0062
Tatura Mechanics' Institute [full inscription unknown]
, Tatura, Victoria, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0063
Neerim Junction Hall (originally the Neerim Mechanics' Institute and Free Library. Built on this site in 1873. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. In 1873 the original building was built for the Neerim Mechanics' Institute and Free Library. It was burned down in the fires of Black Friday in 1898, but built again in the same year. The name Neerim Junction began to be used about 1911. In December 1972 the hall burned down again. It was rebuilt, with community support, and officially opened in November 1978 as the Neerim Junction Hall. This plaque, No.63 in the MIV series, was placed here on 11 November 2018 to celebrate the 40 Year Anniversary. "By the Community for the Community"
2957 Main Neerim Rd, Neerim Junction, VI, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0064
Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute. Established on this site in 1860. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute was founded in 1859. The main building was constructed in 1860 and the front four-story section added in 1869. Since its inception, the Institute has been a significant centre of cultural activity and social life in Ballarat. During 2004-2013 the building was fully refurbished to return to its 19th century glory. This plaque, No. 64 in the MIV series, was unveiled on 17 November 2018 by Dr Frank Hurley OAM, MIV founding President, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria.
Sturt Street, Ballarat, VI, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0065
Mt Egerton Mechanics' Hall [full inscription unknown]
, Mount Egerton, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0066
Pyramid Hill Mechanics' Institute and Free Library [full inscription unknown]
, Pyramid Hill, VI, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0067
Horsham Mechanics' Institute [full inscription unknown]
, Horsham, VI, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0068
Lancefield Mechanics' Institute [full inscription unknown]
, Lancefield, Victoria, Australia