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\u201cIt took about six years for the Hall to be built in 1921, and it\u2019s made out of pressed cement,\u201d Ms Donaghy said.<\/p>\n
The event was an opportunity for people to learn about and share the town\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been privately researching Dereel, the three schools, our churches, racetrack and more for about 25 years. People have given me copies of photos, and maps, so I had a lot of printed information and books at the Hall for people to read on the day.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe older people that have lived in the area forever came along to remember their past, have a look at the research and reflect on their school or churches, and tell me where businesses used to be,\u201d Ms Donaghy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was such a friendly atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 100th anniversary offered a relaxed and welcoming space for community members established and new to connect.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause of COVID, there are lots of people that have moved out of Melbourne and to Dereel, built new houses, and they\u2019re settling in well. It was a great way for them to meet new people,\u201d Ms Donaghy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe welcomed lots of locals from Rokewood as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Donaghy is planning to coordinate a Dereel school reunion in 2022.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Dereel community recognised the one hundredth anniversary of the construction of their Soldiers\u2019 Memorial Hall last Saturday. Approximately 100 people from the district, and travellers from Bendigo, Melbourne and Geelong attended the commemorative day at the Hall which was organised by Julie Donaghy, a community member and passionate long-time historical researcher. Wadawurrung man Barry […]<\/p>\n