Keeping their community connected

By Alice Dell (3rd Yr Latrobe Uni)

The Mount Wallace Hall and Reserve has received a $7,290 grant as a part of the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.

The SRC program has awarded over $1.5 million to rural regions nation-wide to fund various community-strengthening projects.

Thanks to the program, the Hall and Reserve will now be able to afford the installation of a shade structure and repairs to the roof and ceiling.

Committee Treasurer, Carlene Baker, said these repairs are very much overdue.

“For the past five or six years, the roof has been leaking, ruining the ceiling tiles on the inside,” she said.

“We have a table tennis club that plays there every week. If it’s raining heavily, the water drips onto the tables.”

Ms Baker said the grant will make a huge difference and highlighted the importance of the hall in fostering community togetherness.

“There is no pub or anything like that in the area, or anywhere for people to get together, other than the hall. So, it’s the focal point of the community really.”

According to the FRRR website, funding is provided to projects that address a diverse range of regional needs. Such as, fostering community wellbeing, connectedness and disaster recovery and preparation.

FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, Jill Karena, says volunteer-led organisations, such as the Mt Wallace Hall and reserve, play an important role in the vitality of rural Australia.

“They drive the projects that maintain and sustain their communities. But to do this, they need funds. We’re honoured to play a small part in helping rural Australia thrive and we encourage others to join with us to support local initiatives that really do make a difference,” Ms Karena said.