A FEW nibbles, speeches, cake-cutting, and tree planting marked the 30th anniversary of the Loch Sport Public Hall.
The event on Saturday, December 9, was to celebrate the history of the Loch Sport Public Hall, and featured displays of newspaper columns and photographs curated by Loch Sport volunteers who laminated the submissions and put them on display boards.
The Loch Sport Public Hall officially opened on December 9, 1993 by then Sport, Recreation and Racing Minister Tom Reynolds. The project cost $450,000 in the then Rosedale Shire Council.
Long time Loch Sport resident, Peter McMahon believes the hall was quite possibly the last “major infrastructure building built in Loch Sport.”
K & P McMahon Constructions (Mr McMahon’s parents) built the hall, which was overseen by architect John Flower of Yinnar while consulting engineer was Ian Round Pty Ltd, Traralgon. Mr McMahon had the honour of planting a commemorative plant to mark the occasion. Event organisers also created a time capsule that will be opened in 20 years.
In a speech, Loch Sport Community House President, Eleanor Speed said the day was about “Appreciating all the people who over many years have contributed to its establishment and maintenance.”
“This is a place to gather, a place to dance, a place to sing,” she said.
“It’s a place to borrow books from the library to get together to discuss. It’s even a place to celebrate.”
Speeches were also made by Wellington Shire Coastal Ward councillors Garry Stephens and Marcus McKenzie, as well as Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien then cut a cake while attendees sang Happy Birthday to the Loch Sport Public Hall.
“The hall is very important to Loch Sport, because the area is at the end of the line and relatively isolated, so it has been and will be a venue for emergencies,” Mr O’Brien said.
Loch Sport Community House and Public Hall Manager, Rachel Mulder said the event gathered a lot of community interest.
Loch Sport resident Peter McMahon planted a commemorative plant to celebrate 30 years of the Loch Sport Public Hall. The company ran by Mc McMahon’s parents build the hall. Photos: Ben McArthur
One of the historical displays.
The Loch Sport Community Hall recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.
