The communities of Emerald Hill and Mullaley are better connected following technology upgrades at their village halls.
Gunnedah Shire Council and Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program, in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), funded the supply and installation of laser projectors and 100-inch motorised screens at both halls, improving digital capability for a range of user groups.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Community and Development Andrew Johns said the investment of more than $12,000 would give the Emerald Hill Progress Association and Mullaley Hall Committee greater capacity to deliver professional events and forums while enhancing members’ knowledge and skills to live, learn and work in a digital society.
“These proactive groups are passionate about improving these historical buildings to meet the changing needs of their communities, and Council is glad to support them in this,” he said.
The technology upgrades were strongly supported by both groups, which said the halls were at the heart of their communities.
Emerald Hill Progress Association secretary Ali Chaffey said the investment would strengthen the hall’s existing role, supporting users ranging from the Ooranga Playgroup, ladies’ exercise classes, family reunions and the village Christmas party to corporate users such as GrainCorp, Landcare organisations and government, including ordinary Council meetings.
“I can see that projector being used by so many different people in so many different ways,” Chaffey said.
“The hall itself is such a special space. It’s 104 years old now and to see it maintained and cared for, and also utilised and modernised, so it can continue to be relevant for all those user groups, it’s such a special thing.
“It really does facilitate people coming together.”
Mullaley Hall Committee member Georgina Gavel said the hall connected the community and served as a gathering place in everyday life and during difficult times such as droughts and floods.
“It is the location for many community events, workshops and celebrations, live music, barbecues, forums, Council meetings, get-togethers, and touring country roadshows, and is pivotal to our community’s emotional resilience and mental health,” she said.
“Our small volunteer committee relies on fundraising and grants like the Telstra Connected Communities Grant Program to approve the amenity of the hall and to purchase equipment and infrastructure that would otherwise be out of reach.
“The equipment will enable our committee to enhance our capacity to run professional meetings, workshops and presentations at the hall and extend the reach of our audience, while attracting new events and activities at the hall.”
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