The Great Hall Crawl is set to energize small community halls in the Casterton district with a series of trivia nights aimed at raising funds and fostering community spirit. Starting on September 19, 2023, ten local halls will host trivia events over the next year, offering hundreds of prizes along with $500 in Community Cash vouchers for participants.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Dunrobin Hall committee and its chair, Loise Lowe, seeks to bring people together while highlighting the importance of these venues. “The idea is just to get people together at various halls around the district, to have some fun, raise some much-needed funds for our halls, and show the wider community just what we have to offer,” Lowe explained.
Historically, small halls have served as vital community hubs, hosting a variety of events from dances and birthday parties to memorial services. Despite a decline in usage over the years, their significance remains strong, particularly in rural farming areas where community connections are crucial for mental health and well-being.
Lowe emphasized the need to revitalize these spaces, stating, “Our halls are a place for people to gather, get together and connect, especially in difficult times, drought, fire, tough times on the land.” As small farming communities face ongoing challenges, the Great Hall Crawl offers a platform for engagement and support.
The Dunrobin Hall, which is over 111 years old, requires substantial upkeep, a burden that falls on its dedicated volunteers. Lowe noted that the event could provide an opportunity for attendees to see the potential of these halls while contributing to their maintenance needs. “This is perhaps an opportunity for people to see how they could use our halls more and help get some funding together to help with things like insurance and power bills.”
The trivia nights will take place at various locations, beginning with the Sandford Mechanics Hall hosting the inaugural event. Participants can register in teams of up to eight, with each hall offering prizes for the winning team and additional opportunities for fun through games and raffles.
Each team that attends will also have the chance to win the $500 in Community Cash vouchers, which can be redeemed at local businesses supporting the event. This collaboration not only enhances community ties but also encourages local patronage.
For detailed information on the venues, dates, and registration, interested participants can refer to page 6 of the current edition of the local newspaper. The Great Hall Crawl promises to be a lively and engaging way to support small halls while celebrating community spirit in the Casterton district.
