Hall works commence

By Tina Seirlis

Lal Lal Soldiers Memorial Hall is currently closed to user groups while works are undertaken to address plumbing, termite damage and other basic repairs.

Engels Leoncini, Chairperson for the Hall’s Committee of Management, says the Hall was first constructed in 1956.

“It was dedicated to the soldiers of World War II predominantly, and mainly because many of the farmers weren’t eligible to attend this war because they had to maintain the important service for the supply of food. Their sons however may have had to go. The Hall was funded by local family contributions, including the running of fundraisers that took place at Lal Lal Racecourse. The land was donated by the local publican at the time. There used to be an existing Hall on the other side of the hotel, and that had accidentally burnt down, perhaps back in the 1930s and the community had been without a hall since that time.”

The upgrades to the Hall were initiated by the volunteer Committee of Management as part of general maintenance inspections.

Mr Leoncini said it’s local people on the Committee of Management.

“They volunteer because they have pride in their town and want to make a difference in the world. The Hall is important to the local community because it’s a place to meet for residents and family events. It’s also strategically placed as far as any community information that needs to be shared such as fire prevention, community concerns, and we also conduct an annual market there in late October, along with supporting the ANZAC Day service which takes place across at Lal Lal ANZAC Memorial Park.”

According to Moorabool Shire Council CEO Derek Madden, the works are being funded out of Council’s Asset Management Budget and will cost $28,500.
The Hall is home to several user groups and events, including the local Christmas in July catch up which is said to have now been cancelled due to the upgrades taking place. Other local halls have stepped up to support the community, including those at nearby Mt Warrenheip, and at the Clarendon Recreation Reserve. Admittedly short notice was provided before works commenced.

“We met with the Council back in February, identified the problems, and were then given about a week and a half’s notice for the works,” Mr Leoncini said.

“With the availability of trades these days, we need to take them when we can get them. A lot of wet damage was then found in the flooring, when the works commenced it was only going to take a week initially but will now take at least four.”

In future the Committee hopes to upgrade the kitchen, along with recognising the Hall’s four life members.

“One is still with us, John McAuliffe. We plan to display their history and a photo of each life member,” he said.