Many residents of the close-knit community of Towong gathered on Saturday to celebrate the official re-opening of the Towong Soldiers Memorial Hall.

Following the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires, community members resolved to make the hall a true community hub and the group was successful in receiving funding for its refurbishment.

A grant of $48,000 from Emergency Recovery Victoria provided funding for the hall renovations and construction of an outside deck area.

The Upper Murray Innovation Foundation received a grant of $49,000 through Round 6 of Border Trust’s Towong Community Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund for a barbecue area, indoor and outdoor furniture and fitout of the kitchen.

Border Trust CEO, Sue Gold, was at Saturday’s event and said it was testament to the spirit of the Towong community that the project had come to fruition after several delays, mainly because of the impact of the pandemic.

“The hall is now a true multipurpose community hub providing a flexible space where both adults and children can gather, unwind and create lasting memories.” 

The hall was used infrequently for many years but during the 2019-20 bushfires it was the local relief centre and as a place to reconnect with friends and neighbours. After the fires regular gatherings were held to bring the community back together, creating the catalyst for the renovation project.

In the event of future disasters, it is also intended that the hall be used as the hub where people can gather, prepare food, shower and receive timely information.

The hall was officially re-opened by Korean War veteran, Dave Christie, who cut the ribbon and cake. He was supported by a cohort of Corryong RSL sub-branch members, a member of the Australian Light Horse Association in full uniform with his mount and a unit from the Army Logistic Training Centre at Latchford Barracks.

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 31 October 2024.