Local opera lovers are already anticipating the upcoming production of Flotow’s masterpiece Martha which is being staged by Lyster Opera in the Creswick Town Hall in November.

Lyster Opera will present this special return performance of Friedrich Von Flotow’s Martha featuring a lush, romantic score which includes The Last Rose of Summer.

Tickets have already gone on sale online through the Trybooking website for the upcoming afternoon matinee performance that’s being staged on Saturday November 2.

Lyster Opera Ltd is a registered charity which aims to celebrate and perform the art of live opera in regional areas, as well as to Melbourne audiences, at an affordable price.

As an approved Deductible Gift Recipient, donations of $2 or more to Lyster Opera are tax deductible in Australia and assist Lyster Opera continue its success in bringing opera to new audiences. 

Donors are acknowledged on Lyster Opera’s website and in their programmes.

The Creswick Town Hall is back to its former grandeur and ready to reopen to visitors and locals thanks to support from all three levels of government.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett in recent days joined with Member for Ballarat Catherine King and Hepburn Shire Mayor Brian Hood to restart the restored tower clock, which is part of the works completed on the Hall.

The upgrades include roof plumbing, a new flagpole and access ladder, accessible entry, electrical work, painting, and masonry repairs. The restoration of this highly valued community asset will see the building serve locals for years to come.

The project was jointly funded with $500,000 from the Victorian Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, $432,000 from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and $251,017 from the Hepburn Shire Council.

Creswick is an old gold-mining town that attracts visitors for its scenic bushland areas, parklands, mountain bike trails and local businesses. The upgrades to this iconic Town Hall will only add to its appeal for visitors wanting to learn more about the town’s history.

The Creswick Town Hall opened in 1876 and reflects the architecture of the gold rush period. It’s listed on the Victorian Heritage Register for its architectural and historical significance.

The Hall is in the centre of the town and is a key venue for local events from weddings to the annual 3-day music festival, known as ‘CresFest’. It was used as the Council chambers until 1968 and is now home to the Creswick Museum.

Hepburn Shire Council awarded the contract to deliver the upgrades to heritage restoration specialists SIDA Constructions Pty Ltd, who have previously completed projects including the North Melbourne Town Hall, Linden Gallery and Essendon Courthouse. The project created at least 5 jobs during construction.

Member for Ballarat Catherine King: “Creswick hasn’t been the same without the facade of the beautiful Town Hall, so it’s wonderful to see the scaffolding come down after these upgrades.

“This project is a great example of all three levels of government working together to deliver the best outcomes for the Creswick community.”

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett: “Places like Creswick Town Hall sit at the heart of our regional communities, and I’m so pleased we’re able to help restore these grand buildings to their former glory.”

“We’re supporting these upgrades so that regional towns like Creswick are vibrant and attract more visitors and events to the region for years to come.”

Hepburn Shire Council Mayor, Cr Brian Hood: “This fantastic conservation project has renewed and revitalised the iconic Creswick Town Hall. We appreciate the support of the Victorian and Federal Governments and their continued investment in our Shire.”

The restoration of Creswick Town Hall is close to completion with scaffolding expected to be taken down in coming days.

As part of the conservation project, the historic hall’s clock face has been meticulously cleaned and painted by a signwriter, a new flagpole was installed in recent days, the repaired and painted cast iron cresting followed it soon after, perched upon a new copper clad roof.

Chimney pots and chimney heads have been carefully restored and painted and the parapets, facades and windows are nearly complete.

With scaffolding now expected to come down, the Hepburn Shire Council has requested pedestrians and onlookers to keep their distance to allow scaffolders to get the job done.

The project is funded through the council along with a $500,000 grant from the State Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, and $432,000 from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund.