Feet first effort to fund rec reserve fun

AN upcoming event is returning to the region aimed at helping people get their feet around line dancing, all while supporting the community.

Taking place at the Elaine Mechanics’ Hall, the line dancing lesson will be the fourth organised by the town’s recreation reserve committee with proceeds going towards shade sails for the site’s playground.

The concept was spearheaded by committee chair Dianne Cook, who said it’s a great way to raise funds for the community.

“I do it a few times a week in Ballarat, and a lot of the girls there are always interested to learn more and will travel out to do it,” she said.

“We want to encourage the community here to participate and there’s a few who’ve mentioned they’d like to learn. The class will be for new beginners while also having some advanced stances as well.

“It’s very difficult to raise funds in a small town and we’ve been working at getting new shade sails for a few years now.”

The class will be taught by Ella Young who runs her Eldorado Line Dance classes at Brown Hill.

Two new shade sails will cost $30,000, and with two thirds provided through a grant from Lal Lal Wind Farm, and the line dancing classes are aimed at raising the rest.

With $1500 made from classes since starting late last year, Ms Cook said the events serve a dual purpose.

“There’s a lot of new families that have moved to the area too so if they see functions going on in the hall they’re more likely to be involved,” she said.

“We’ve also stared running bingo in the alternative months. It’s something to do on the weekends while bringing the community together.

“Without shade sails it gets too hot for the kids to be out there when there’s cricket or tennis on. We want to make it more comfortable with new seating as well.”

The next line dancing class will take place on Saturday, 3 June from 1pm to 4pm with entry at $10 and tea and coffee provided.