One of the key learnings that came out of the devastating bushfires which tore through out region in 2019-2020 was the crucial role our community halls play in times of emergency.
Such halls form the fabric of small communities and hold memories of births, deaths, marriages, celebrations, and memorial, and it is important they are maintained.
During the Black Summer the small halls became emergency service hubs and acted as centralised information points and relief centres.
Post fires it was recognised that to meet all such roles, many halls needed to be upgraded and made sustainable and fit for purpose ready to tackle any future events.
As such, it was my pleasure to recently help launch the 3 Halls Project – to celebrate the commencement of such upgrades for the Bethanga, Talgarno, and Granya halls.
The 3 Halls Project is funded with a Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant won by Bethanga Landcare, the Berringa Peninsula Community Network, VIC Landcare and the Bethanga, Talgarno and Granya Halls Committees.
A true community initiative the community have partnered with TVN On-Country Pathways – a Wodonga based Indigenous construction company which delivers tailored services throughout Australia.
TVN On-Country is committed to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment rates. It provides work experience, training, education, and employment for youth in the construction industry.
The 3 Halls Project represents collective community vision, collaboration, and effort, and success. The project flows on to provide local construction jobs and positive impact on local communities.
Congratulations to all involved and thank you to TVN On-Country for hosting this event to celebrate the beginning of this wonderful project!
