Grand party for grand hall

Mr Campbell said the original opening was attended by the local politicians of the day – George Moss MLA, Keith Bradbury MLC and Ian Swinburne MLC along with the Shire President of Tungamah and Cr. John Purtle representing the Shire President of Corowa (today represented by his son Robert Purtle OAM).

Special guests on Saturday were Olive Prescott and Craig Prescott (wife and son of Horrie), Graham Stephens (carpenter with Oakley Bros Builders), Des Tuttle (plumber with Bill Tuttle Plumbing) and Brian Quinn (Shire Plumbing Inspector).

Apologies from other tradesmen who worked on this building were Neil Reid (carpenter), John Ridley (carpenter) and Bill Gleason (plumber). Moira Shire Councillors Peter Lawless and Marie Martin were also present.

Other well-known identities who attended the opening in 1959 and again on Saturday were Beverley Long (Miss Victoria 1959, nee McFarlane, Noel Loughnan – journalist and Morrie Montrose (wife of Yarrawonga Shire Councillor Roger Montrose).

Mr Campbell acknowledged that for 60 years the Community Hall has served its role as a supper room catering for up to five balls a year held in the Town Hall.

“Today we want to focus on this hall where dancing has been a strong point, with Old Time dancing in the early 60’s, Rock n Roll, Go-Go Dancers with the purple Fluro light, then the Blue light discos and this continues with Old Time Nu Vogue dancing, ballet productions and lessons,” the past shire president of the former Yarrawonga Shire said.

“Through the 70s and the 80s there were school socials and now Sun Country Dance productions and competitions. In the early 1990s it was renovated to accommodate the overflowing pre-school.

“Wedding receptions and 21st parties were big community events. Formal dinners, luncheons and wine tastings were also regular events. The first few Lions Wool Shows took place in this hall, land auctions, farmers meetings of various types, political rallies and polling booths for State, Federal and Council Elections have used this hall.

“We note that over 4500 people pre-polled here in this year’s Federal Election and of course it is used by secondary college students for VCE exams.”

Mr Campbell highlighted two public meetings – one in the 60s when all wheat in the North East was deemed shot and sprung with farmers facing heavy financial penalties. After a strong public meeting and with the help of local politicians, the penalty was removed.  About eight years ago a public meeting was held to promote the P-12 School.

Moira Shire Deputy Mayor Peter Lawless advised that when the hall was built, the Yarrawonga Shire was divided into four ridings, each with three councillors (one town and three rural). Ron Soulsby was shire secretary and Jack Dempsey engineer with two girls in the office. 

Graham Stephens gave some recollections on the building of the Community Hall. In December 1958 tenders were called to build a new Community Hall with a kitchen to service both halls and the plans were designed by Jack Dempsey.  Oakley Bros were the builders and the huge foundations were dug by hand by Bill Taylor with picks and shovels.  

Lakeside Voices performed beautifully last Saturday. A wonderful spread of Afternoon Tea was provided by the Lionesses and the CWA, whilst Barb Hird played the piano in the background. 

A progressive Barn Dance was demonstrated by some local dancers. Dancing demonstrations were provided by Andrea and John Barwick (tangos and waltzes), with Dianne Begone and George Walker demonstrating some energetic Swing Dancing. 

It was an afternoon of excellent entertainment and a general feeling by those in attendance that the Community Hall was built to last.

Those in attendance agreed the hall should be retained and maintained back to being the community asset it once was and was intended to be for the Yarrawonga community.