Meera is available for hire for all types of events - musical or otherwise. Please consult the pricing below and do not hesitate to get in touch if anything is unclear or you have any questions.
How much does it cost to hire Meera?
I am a local. Is there any leeway regarding cost of hire?
Yes, please see the booking sheet regarding cost of hire. In the case of a meeting booking you might consider a donation towards future landscaping for wildlife. A ‘local’ is designated within 30 km of the venue e.g. Rupanyup, Marnoo, Dadswell’s Bridge or Murtoa.
What type of music events work best for Meera?
Since the building seats around 50 max and has top of the range acoustics, there’s no real need for microphones regarding being heard as a performer. It’s a more intimate vibe. However, there’s lots of potential for something different in the grounds or using the water on each side of Meera.
What type of other events suit Meera?
The list is ongoing as people experience Meera’s soft rendered walls and rounded beauty. Here are a few that popped up recently of the many suggested by visitors: life drawing classes, climate challenge empathy groups, learning chords to join a band, landcare meetings. You will think of more to suit your own needs. Visitors are welcome by appointment to walk over the space and chat about possibilities.
For performances, think ‘theatre in the round’ style. The acoustics really suit this. You can whisper on one side of the room and be heard on the other. There are wrap around cushioned seats along the wall (disabled suitable), that seat about 35 and chairs with and without backrests can be sprinkled throughout with ample big cushions and mats in front for a lounging type middle eastern atmosphere. Children and many adults are quite comfy this way. The grand piano can be rolled into a position to suit the style of performance.
How does the seating work in a round space?
A non-refundable deposit of 50 % of the booking fee is due one month before the event. This is not required for local meeting bookings (1 -2 hours). A bond is required upfront at the discretion of the management. There will be a signed waver against any damages to property and a checklist regarding clean up within 24 hours of leaving the venue. The bond will then be reimbursed after the event.
Is there a deposit/bond?
Yes
Is there local catering that looks after dietary requirements?
The building can take 50 maximum. However, the grounds have space for a marquee which gives you more scope.
What is the maximum number of guests that the building can accommodate?
Yes acquaint yourself before the event as planners and organizers with the following: careful signage and reminders to guests regarding smoking areas (it’s a natural environment and cigarette butts are not readily biodegradable), reminders to guests and caterers about responsible rubbish disposal particularly the only food bin, whereabouts and use of the fire extinguisher, use of existing decoration hooks (no blue tak/sticky tape allowed), whereabouts of safety flotation ring for the two dams either side of the building and supervision of children around the dams. Your guests will be on private property. Therefore, we may need parking assistance and we also ask you to work with us regarding areas that are no-go. Signs and witches’ hats will be out. Common sense has been the byward with all aspects of this building.
Is there anything else I should plan for with my big event?
Yes, that can be negotiated depending on the type of booking. I can refer a good local service.
Can we pay for the cleaning instead of doing it ourselves at the end of the event?
No Meera and the surrounding environment will be acquiring a covenant for Australian wildlife. We don’t want to scare our little local critters.
Is this a pet-friendly venue?
Can we book lead-up time in preparation for our event? eg. flowers drop off or rehearsal in the space.
Yes, a fee may be charged depending on the amount of access required.
Kitchenette with mini fridge, urn, cups etc., data projector screen, two whiteboards (one fixed and one on a movable stand) all included in the hiring fee.
What equipment is on-hand for a seminar?
Kitchenette with mini fridge, urn, cups etc., data projector screen, two whiteboards (one fixed and one on a movable stand), plus TV 80 x 50 cm (for casting etc.). All included in the hiring fee.
What equipment is on-hand for music recording sessions, music workshops or music intensives?
Yes, John Kingston (aka Big Sky John Instagram) who co-farms the land on which Meera is built, is a renowned amateur astronomer, geologist, local historian and much more. He can take a bus load for a fascinating insight on the nearby silo trail, is a keen bushman, can show you the stars in our clear vast skies using his telescopes and loves answering wide ranging enthusiastic questions. The beautiful Grampians, the famous Murtoa Stick Shed, and the start of the Silo Trail at Rupanyup are all within half an hours’ drive.
We would love to have a local guide as part of our corporate refresh and reset. Do you have someone appropriate in the area?
Could we dine on local produce outside under the stars with live background piano, local string/piano quartet music floating out of the building?
Yes.
Yes. Only a few months since opening and two groups of secondary students and their teacher have already used the venue for a sustainable building excursion. A Q & A style data projector/talk with Unmani is also on offer with a wide range of visual footage about the super-adobe building style and all stages and aspects of the build. See the Owner Builder Article April/May 2019 on this website for more details. With consultation, a practical workshop learning the practical skills of building in different styles can be run.