MPAC History

1910 to 2004: Moora Town Hall 

In 1910 the building of the Moora Town Hall commenced after a community meeting.

The Hall was designed by WA Nelson and built by DW Griffiths for a total cost of £1,800.  Funded by a £200 grant and a £1,500 loan raised by the Moora Road Board.

The hall was opened on 11th June 1913 by Minister for Works WD Johnson MLA with a ball being held that evening.

IN the 1960's and 70's the hall was a constant complaint at electors meetings with the drainage problems being of particular concern.

The Midland Advocate reported 12th December 1968 that "Moora was considered to be one of the larger country towns yet its town and amenities Halls were not in keeping with this image".

2004 to present: Moora Performing Arts Centre

Conversion of the Moora Town Hall into the Moora Performing Arts Centre started as early as 1994, when the Council of the day commenced investigations for this re-development.

The years between 1994 and 1999 were spent considering designs and attempting to source funds for the project.

The 1999 Moora floods left the Moora Town Hall further depreciated and structurally unsound.

In 2000 Lee Kernaghan kindly donated his services through his only Pass the Hat Concert in Western Australia to raise funds to get the Moora Town Hall back into operation. $100,000 was raised, kick starting the fund raising program.

In June 2001 Architects Saleeba Adams were engaged to develop the tender and business plan.

December 2003 saw the construction work commence on the conversion of the Moora Town Hall into the Moora Performing Arts Centre. The commencement of this work was the combination of 10 years of planning by many past and present Councillors and staff and community members.

It was the most substantial building project this district has undertaken since the early 1980s' when the Moora Recreation Centre was constructed.

The completion of the project in 2004/05 addresses issues dating back to the 1950's, and positions our district to host artistic and cultural events not previously possible.

The Official opening of the Performing Arts Centre was held on Saturday 23rd October 2004.

Major Shows

Major Shows Since Opening in 2004:

  • Oz Opera's "La Boheme"
  • Official Opening of the Moora Performing Arts Centre
  • Moora Rotary Annual Auction Dinner
  • Local Government Conference
  • 1000th Apex Dinner
  • Keith Potger
  • Central Midlands Senior High School Ball
  • Great Debate
  • Three Musketeers
  • Central Midlands Performing Arts Festival
  • Silly Billies
  • Educating Rita
  • Comedy Knockout 'Joke Around Australia'
  • Rural Youth State Ball
  • President Wilson in Paris
  • Central Midlands Senior High School 'Hating Alison Ashley'
  • Rabbit
  • Melbourne Cup Luncheon
  • School Presentation Nights
  • Carols by Candlelight
  • Dance Tech Annual Dance Concert
  • Windmill Baby
  • Ironing Out the Wrinkles
  • Comedy Knockout 'Life After Dick'
  • Steady Eddy 'Lovin Life Tour'
  • LaLaLuna
  • Guitar Heaven
  • John Williamson
  • Cosentino
  • The Jungle Book
  • Menopause the Musical
  • The Delltones