It didn’t seem too long ago that the VRI Hall in Donald sat disused and in disrepair, waiting for someone to come along and care for it.

Enter the Ignite Youth Group with an interest in the facility and a dedication to turning it into a community hub for the youth of the town. Since gaining permission to use the hall, numerous working bees, volunteer hours, community support and fundraising have seen remarkable improvements and additions to the building, the most recent of which is a stunning mural on the southern wall.

The mural itself was designed by Jaci Douglas and painted by artist Vern Hardie, with the youth group children getting involved on what turned out to be a fantastic day of painting, learning and creativity, allowing the kids to gain a sense of ownership for the art work and the hall on which it is painted.

The project was organized through Buloke Shire’s Youth Project Officer, Torri Tillig, and though time restraints kept the mural from being completed in the one session, artist Vern hopes to return soon to put on the finishing touches.

And before you ask why the word “love” is in the mural twice”¦ let the Bible answer for you. “And now these three remain: Faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

The VRI Hall in Donald has certainly had its fair share of love since Ignite Youth Group starting calling it “home”. The organisers have put a lot of effort into revamping the old building and are now putting it to good use, with many community groups and programs being run out of the facility.

Ignite Youth Group offers social connection, Christian faith-based fellowship and a range of fun activities for kids grade 6 to year 12 and meets at the VRI Hall fortnightly on Friday nights during school term. Contact youth leaders Teghan Pearse (0411 890 123) or Kyle Pearse (0477 228 777) for more information.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 12 July 2024.