Last hurrah for Edenhope hall

West Wimmera Shire Council has announced public events at Edenhope Mechanics Hall before construction starts on a new community centre.

After many years of council planning, consultation and securing of funding, the hall will soon be demolished to make room for a new community centre.

The council has secured $1.3-million in federal and state government funding for the new centre.

A demolition tender is open and the council will release a construction tender in the coming weeks.

The council will decide whether the building will be built in one or two stages based on tenders and money available.

The new centre will include a library, general activity and function spaces and meeting rooms.

The Mechanics Institute first gained recognition in Edenhope in 1889 and Edenhope Mechanics Hall has for many years been a venue for community events.

An 18-and-under Halloween-themed Freeza event will be on Wednesday next week, community open and memorabilia days on November 8 and 9 and The Last Curtain Cabaret on November 10.

During the Halloween event, teenagers have an invitation to attend Edenhope Freeza – Night of Horrors where organisers have arranged music, food, refreshments and buses from Kaniva and Goroke.

The hall open days next week will be from 2pm to 5pm for anyone who wants to have a last walk through the hall.

Memorabilia will be on display and an afternoon tea will be supplied on November 9.

The Last Curtain Call Cabaret will be the final event at the hall.

The council has called on anyone with photos, videos or accounts of the hall they would be happy to share to get in touch.

Council leaders have guaranteed they would take care of memorabilia and it would be returned after the cabaret.

The council has also put out a call to anyone keen to perform one last song at the hall during the cabaret evening.

People seeking more information can call Sarah Ellis on 5585 9900 or email Sarahellis@westwimmera.vic.gov.au.