Creative transformation for town hall

A PARTNERSHIP between Queenscliff Music Festival and the Borough of Queenscliffe will transform the town hall into a high-quality creative space.

The QMF has secured two grants for the first stage of an upgrade to the Queenscliff Town Hall including new sound and lighting systems, a screen and projector, and better marketing for the venue.

The upgrades will allow the hall to host a variety of performances and are important to enhance the borough’s reputation as a regional arts and culture destination and secure more events.

Community groups, schools, local creatives, and community events are also expected to benefit greatly from the hall improvements.

Council officers and QMF representatives will work together to manage the project and QMF chair Geoff Mutton said he was excited about the potential of the upgrades.

“QMF is very excited to be working with the Borough of Queenscliffe to improve the Town Hall as a creative space for events and activities, and we look forward to presenting regular concerts in the hall over 2021-2022,” Mr Mutton said.

QMF director Andrew Orvis said the town hall was “a beautiful old building, that for the most part, is heavily under-utilised”.

“This project will support existing hall users such as Queenscliff Literary Festival and the Bellarine Lighthouse Film Festival, whilst also attracting further community use,” he said.

“QMF is also excited to present some semi-regular concerts throughout the year in the hall.

“Stay tuned for show announcements coming for this summer.”

Mr Orvis said the response to this year’s festival – which has sold out – was overwhelming and showed “just how much people want to get back out there and see and support live music again”.

Mayor Ross Ebbels said consultation with community groups had helped guide decisions around the upgrade.

“By reducing equipment hire costs, making the venue easier to set up and pack down, and adding new accessibility equipment like a hearing aid loop, these upgrades directly respond to some of the needs raised by local community groups,” Cr Ebbels said.

Requests for quotes for key aspects of the project are now open until September 13, and more information is available on the QMF website.