Kotta Hall committee members David Hammond, president Andrew Christian, Mandy Hardess and David Johnson hold a plaque marking 100 years of the hall.
Photo by
Bree Lambert
For a century, Kotta Hall has been the beating heart of a community, as a place where families and friends have gathered, danced, played sports and created a lifetime of cherished memories.
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Built in 1926, the hall quickly became the epicentre of Kotta. Though simply constructed with no ceiling lining, timber boards extending four feet up the walls and kerosene lanterns as lighting, it grew with the community, including a 12-foot extension in 1965 to accommodate a booming local badminton scene.
Now officially recognised today by Campaspe Shire as a place of heritage, the hall has survived changes in farming, transport, floods and the relentless passage of time.
In its early decades, dances were held every fortnight, and over the years, the hall has hosted town meetings, markets, children’s lessons, milestone birthdays, weddings and the annual community Christmas tree tradition that continues to this day.
Beyond the timber and tin, the decades of repairs and renovations, it is the connection to community that gives the hall its heart.
“All good memories have resonated out of the hall,” Kotta Hall committee president Andrew Christian said.
Kotta Hall committee members (back) Andrew Christian, Tegan Trice, David Johnson, David Hammond, (front) Mandy Hardess and Lyndall Johnson reflect on the memories that have been created at the hall.
Photo by
Bree Lambert
“When we were kids, the memories you get from having a hall like this at Christmas tree events and functions stay with you,” Kotta Hall committee member Mandy Hardess said.
“You really appreciate a place like this where your families can gather and create memories to have for a lifetime,” she said.
The centenary weekend celebrations kick off on Friday, October 9, at 6.30pm with a barbecue and bush dance, featuring live music from the Billabong Bushies Band.
Saturday, October 10, marks the main celebration day, where the hall will open from 11.30am for people to explore historical displays and photographs, followed by lunch at 12.30pm, with official formalities and cake cutting beginning at 1.30pm.
Former local and comedian Monica Dullard will take the stage as guest speaker, followed by a Q&A session where long-time locals will share personal stories and reflect on the hall's colourful past.
Saturday's program also features the official launch of Kotta Hall committee member David Hammond’s new book, Kotta 3565: A Social History.
David’s book chronicles the rich social history of the area, detailing the origins of the hall, the original builder, the committees that sustained it, the decades-long battle against termites, along with the 50th and 75th anniversaries.
For those seeking a quieter opportunity to explore the hall’s history, it will remain open on Sunday, October 11, from 10am to 4pm for anyone wanting to walk through.
Dust off your dancing shoes, bring your stories, memories, and come along to celebrate 100 years of Kotta Hall.
