The Lynchs Creek community is preparing to celebrate Easter in style, with the historic Lynchs Creek Hall hosting its first ever Easter Extravaganza later this month.
Set to take place on Saturday, March 28, from 8am to 1pm, the family-friendly event will feature a car boot sale, Easter bonnet parade, pet parade, seniors morning tea, sausage sizzle and a variety of other activities designed to bring the community together.
For Lynchs Creek Hall committee member Kevin Markey, the event represents an exciting step forward in the ongoing effort to revitalise the hall and create more opportunities for locals to connect.
“It’s the first time we’ve done it,” Mr Markey said.
“I’ll qualify that statement though – we’ve been doing an Easter event for years, but it’s just been an Easter bonnet parade with the senior citizens.
“This year we decided, well, let’s make it something for all ages.”
The idea is part of a broader push by the hall’s volunteer committee to host more regular events and activities that will both bring people together and help maintain the community-owned facility.
Unlike many rural halls, Lynchs Creek Hall is not owned by the local council.
“We’re a bit different to a lot of the other halls in that we own our own hall,” Mr Markey explained.
“Because a lot of the others are owned by council, council maintains them. But we’ve got to raise money to maintain the hall ourselves.
“So, we’re looking around for a couple of events to run regularly to raise the funds.”
The committee has already seen success with some of its fundraising initiatives. Last year’s Christmas in July dinner attracted around 100 people for a sit-down meal, complete with donated prizes from local businesses for raffles and auctions.
“It was a huge success,” Mr Markey said.
Events like the upcoming Easter Extravaganza are another way to both raise funds and strengthen the hall’s place as a community hub.
Visitors to the event can expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with plenty to see and do.
The traditional Easter bonnet parade will remain a central part of the day, but this year it will be open to everyone, not just seniors.
In fact, those who arrive without a bonnet need not worry.
“One of our hall members suggested we put on a table where people can make their bonnets when they arrive,” Mr Markey said.
“So, if you haven’t got one organised, you can do it on the spot.”
Another highlight is expected to be the pet parade, which will include a range of fun categories such as best behaviour, most unusual pet and most knowledgeable owner.
The event will even feature a special guest judge.
“Our mayor, Danielle Mulholland, has agreed to be one of the judges,” Mr Markey said.
“But our senior set will get to judge it as well.”
The committee is also organising a car boot-style market, giving locals the chance to clear out unused items while visitors enjoy a good rummage for hidden treasures.
“It’s very specific in that we’re not trying to compete with the bazaar in town,” Mr Markey said.
“Most of those people are selling things as a profit-making concern. We’re trying to make it more for the householder who’s got a bit too much gear… it’s more like a bric-a-brac sale.”
Inside the hall, there will also be opportunities for visitors to take part in an open microphone session, with music and informal performances encouraged.
“We’ve got a piano that’s been there forever and a day,” Mr Markey said.
“We’ll have a speaker system there, so if someone wants to sing or play something they can hook into that.”
While the event will now take place on a Saturday to allow more families to attend, the committee has also made sure that seniors remain an important part of the celebration.
A special seniors morning tea will be held during the event, continuing a tradition that has long been part of the hall’s Easter celebrations.
The Easter Extravaganza also shines a spotlight on the hall itself, a building with a rich history dating back more than half a century.
Construction of the current hall began in 1967 and was completed in 1969, although an earlier hall once stood on the opposite side of Lynchs Creek.
The original building was eventually relocated before the community decided a larger hall was needed.
“The community donated by far the majority of the materials that went into it,” Mr Markey said.
“A lot of the timber was cut locally, and it was mainly volunteer labour that built it.”
That strong community spirit continues today as the hall committee works to ensure the building remains a valuable local asset.
About four years ago, a new push began to reactivate the hall and expand its role within the district.
“It’s had its ups and downs over the years,” Mr Markey said.
“But nearly four years ago we decided to reactivate it. We’re now in our second committee and we’re really just looking to build on it.”
Like many older community buildings, the hall is now reaching an age where upgrades and maintenance are becoming increasingly important.
“One of the big things is the roof,” Mr Markey said.
“And it’s not fully compliant with modern ideas, for example, it doesn’t have a disabled toilet. So it could certainly be upgraded and made even more useful.”
The committee is currently applying for government grants to help fund these improvements and recently secured a small council grant to begin tackling some of the hall’s smaller projects.
In the meantime, community events remain a vital part of keeping the hall active and sustainable.
Insurance, maintenance and other ongoing costs mean fundraising will always be necessary.
“Going forward we’re still going to have expenses,” Mr Markey said.
“But if we can upgrade the hall, we’re more likely to hire it and keep it active.”
Already, the hall is beginning to regain its role as a gathering place for the wider community, hosting meetings, courses and private events.
““We’ve got some way to go, but we’re hoping it will become a real hub for the community again,” Mr Markey said.
The Lynchs Creek Hall Easter Extravaganza will be held Saturday, March 28 from 8am to 1pm.
Entry is free, with the seniors morning tea costing $10 per person, car boot sale sites $20, and pet parade entries $5 per pet.
For more information, visit the Lynchs Creek Hall Facebook page or email lynchscreekcommunityhall@gmail.com.
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