In the 19th century it was visited by Ned Kelly, against his wishes, many times, but in 2025 the old Benalla courthouse has found a new use.
After receiving a sizeable donation of crafting materials, volunteers from the Second Chance Op Shop on Arundel St decided to host a craft fair.
On Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 volunteers filled the old courthouse with everything a person could need to get creative.
Second Chance Op Shop volunteer Maureen Walls said following the donation, the op shop committee met to decide what to do with it.
“We decided we’d either sell it as a lot, or put on a craft fair,” she said.
“But we’d had so many generous donations of craft that we decided to do the fair.
“It’s taken us three days to put it together, and all money raised will go to the Anglican Church.”
Ms Walls said it was lovely to hold the fair in a building steeped in local history.
“It goes well with the whole vintage scene. This courthouse is delightful,” she said.
Ms Walls said she thought that if Ned Kelly were alive today, he’d have got involved with the craft fair.
“Well, he loved his mother and would have taken some home to her,” she said.
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