Locally made and locally consumed

[I asked Phil Shorten, owner of this creative space, for an update. Here’s what he had to say … Stuart Absalom.]

Once referred to as the ‘old shed’, the old Fire Shed in Station Street Central Tilba, is now being referred to by locals as ‘the shop’. The support in the village has been incredible because so many locals share our vision. Council has also supported the project after considerable negotiation with the change of use. Pending all the right ticks in all the right boxes, we hope to be trading sometime in September 2025.

The Emporium provides a creative space for half a dozen local makers. Andy, Aimee and Tom from Tilba Wood are in full production mode and getting ready to trade making kitchen tools, cutting boards etc as well as storage boxes and other household items. Andy, with a young family, particularly likes the low-cost entry the Emporium provides.

Adam Kesper from Raven Wood guitars builds his very collectable guitars from his home-based workshop. Adam loves what this space provides and loves the village and the vibe. He repairs as well as makes guitars and makes stock whips, leather belts and guitar straps. Phil Elton, local legend of Tilba Leather, has welcomed another leather artisan to the village.

Zoe Burke from Heritage Walks is negotiating a mobile information centre registration and will use the Emporium
as her home base. Zoe says the Emporium reflects the heritage values of her work as well as a high-profile village location for her heritage experience and information business.

There will also be space for a bi-monthly art exhibition curated by local artists and the Emporium will continue to be supported by local street musicians and performers.

In the lead up to the grand opening in October/November, a lunch on 2 August is being held for current and past members of the Central Tilba RFS and their families to acknowledge the history and the community of the old RFS shed in Central Tilba and its new identity. Later in August a lunch will be hosted for the original builders of the Fire Shed. They will be joined by the current crop of tradies who have transformed the shed into a stylish yet typically Tilba retail space.

We are keen to add a couple more local makers of practical products such as boots, shoes, hats, clothing, metal hardware or anything else that might be useful to locals. They need to commit to one or two days a week on the shop floor while their products continue to be sold five days a week. Interested? Call
me on 0438 217 916 or email me at info@tilbacentral.com.au.

Phil Shorten

Photo

Adam Kesper working on a new guitar, photo: Phil Shorten.