A mayor's tripping incident, the creation of an iconic Aussie film, a desperate fight for funds and a bushfire are all part of the colourful history of Kergunyah Memorial Hall, which on Sunday celebrated a century milestone. or signup to continue reading More than 100 people from the Border district flocked to the revamped hall on September 15 for its "grand reopening". The hall featured in the Australian comedy starring Paul Hogan and Michael Caton, a film that was later .
Long-time Kergunyah local , a member of the committee that pushed for the wooden structure to be renovated, said the revamp was sparked after an incident at the hall eight years ago involving the mayor at the time. "There was a step between the hall and the supper room and it was a tripping hazard," Mr Jarvis said. "About eight years ago there was an Indigo Shire disability committee meeting held there and the mayor at the time, tripped over - that was sort of the catalyst for the renovation project.
"OK, so we reckoned we were home and hosed, but it took a bushfire to find some funds to get the modification to the hall. "When the bushfires were on, the Kergunyah brigade and all the other local brigades helped with the bushfires and Indigo Shire applied for some funds." Fast forward to July 2024 and after a $506,000 injection of funds from federal, state and council funds, plus a contribution of $50,000 from the Kergunyah committee, the hall has been given a new lease of life.
It didn't come without a figh.