In June 2024, history is set to repeat itself at the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall in Tallygaroopna.
On the King’s Birthday holiday in 1924, the local community gathered to witness the hall’s official opening.
Now, 100 years later, the public is set to gather again for its centenary.
To celebrate, committee members from the Tallygaroopna Hall and Tallygaroopna and District Historical Society are planning a series of activities for a community commemoration and celebration, including a ball, a luncheon and a historical reenactment.
Tallygaroopna and District Historical Society secretary Bev Moss said she also wanted to do something special to celebrate.
“There has never been a history book done on the hall,” she said.
“We’re all local people on the hall and historical committees; these two groups are working on (the book) together.
“For the historical society, this will be our first major project.”
Ms Moss said one of the most intriguing things she’s found in her research is the dugout underneath the hall.
It was used as an exclusive meeting room for First, Second and Vietnam War veterans before its closure in the ‘90s.
In addition to the historical society’s findings, the group are calling upon the community to contribute stories and photos from their times at the hall.
“It’s a very special story for the community because it’s a soldiers’ community hall, and with so many country towns and families impacted by the war – that was really the beginning of the hall,” Ms Moss said.
“It’s been at the heart of the community ever since, from christenings, funerals, weddings, all the dances and the deb balls, film nights, fancy dress, the list goes on and on.”
The book will be launched at the centenary celebration and available to purchase from then on.
If you would like to contribute stories and photos to the book, contact Tallygaroopna and District Historical Society president Trish Moss on 0427 298 288.