Community
22 January, 2025
A magical return
IT was a special homecoming when renowned magician Tim Mason, a born-and-raised Cobden product, took to the stage in front of hundreds at the Cobden Civic Hall last week.
Cobden Rotary Club presented Mr Mason to the delight of almost 200 attendees, as children and parents alike lined up to experience the award-winning performance.
Speaking with Western District Newspapers, Mr Mason said he was thrilled to return to his hometown for a special performance followed by a children’s magic workshop.
“We started with a one-hour show which went great – it was amazing,” he said.
“There’s nothing like hearing a room full of 200 kids giggle, laugh and scream at the magic.
“It’s amazing to see all these faces, including some I have known since I was just a child.
“There are people who’ve known me since I was a baby, which makes it special coming back to your roots and share what you’ve been up to.”
Mr Mason said he was excited to see the enthusiasm for magic from some of the community’s youngest members.
“It’s been very special, and I don’t take it for granted that this is my nine-to-five,” he said.
“I get to make smiles all across the world.
“Magic has taken me to fantastic places, which is very special to me.”
Cobden Rotary Club member Gary Kimber said he had been inspired to try and get Mr Mason to perform after his grandson, Alex, put on a magical performance of his own.
“When he was down for Christmas he did some magic tricks, and it sprung to mind,” he said.
“I said there was a magician who used to live in Cobden, and we could try to get him here.
“From that little conversation, a little magic show with my grandson, served as the spark.”
Mr Kimber praised Mr Mason’s talent and exuberant stage presence, saying how pleased he was to see so many in the audience captivated by the performance.
“We had around 180 children, grandparents and parents and it was absolutely mind-blowing,” he said.
“It was wonderful for all age groups, but particularly the littlies, and Tim had them eating out of his hand.
“It was absolutely fantastic; seeing so many families out together, laughing and enjoying when times are so tough, and for us to host this event which we’ve kept as cheap as we can.”
Mr Kimber said the performance was befitting of Rotary International’s presidential theme of 2024/2025 – ‘The Magic of Rotary.’
“Rotary is worldwide, and we believe the things we do are magic,” he said.
“We help right around the community, we’ve got minigolf as a major activity and we provide funds towards youth activities, programs and groups – all the money goes back in to the community.
“That’s the magic of Rotary, the support we give to our community.”