By Jeremy Cook
Ballandean Hall could be set to undergo a generation’s worth of change in the space of 12 months with custodians of the beloved community facility signalling big things for 2024.
In an age where community organisations grapple with an ageing yet dedicated volunteer base, committee members of the Ballandean Hall are hoping to reverse that trend.
Ballandean Hall Committee president John Cody is hoping the facility can attract a more youthful crowd in a move that will ensure its long term longevity.
“One of the problems is that all of us guys are all getting old and it’s a similar thing all around the country I suppose,” Mr Cody said.
“There’s been, over the years, massive amounts of people who have put in huge efforts,” he said.
“It’s a changing area…and there’s a new generation taking over now and we’re trying to attract them to the hall, so that they can take over positions and things that we do.
“Our era of people are disappearing, so that’s why we’re looking at trying to put a couple of more music events on and do something that will attract those younger people.”
One such change involves the installation of a big screen which Mr Cody said will be used to screen movies catered towards a younger demographic.
Other changes include free WiFi, more music events and plans to install a double garage and water tank. Plans for toilet renovations to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities are also being drawn up.
“We’re trying to upgrade it so that we can run some events and do different things.”
“We’ve got a screen coming now that we’ve got a grant for and we’ll try to attract the children there by playing younger movies.”
A possible rebrand could also be on the cards.
“We’re trying to create some excitement,” Mr Cody said.
“People don’t call it the Ballandean Hall, so we were thinking of new signage with ‘The Hall’, so we can brand it as such and then try to create ongoing events.”
For the hall’s current crop of caretakers, the changes are hoped to pull in a new cohort of volunteers in roles which Mr Cody assured were “always enjoyable”.
“It is good to be involved with people that are volunteering and work towards these community goals.”
