The Governor of Victoria, Alex Chernov, cuts the yellow ribbon officially opening the Narbethong Community Hall. Looking on is hall committee president David Fraser, community members and guests.
By Kath Gannaway
THE Narbethong community celebrated, and was celebrated, on Saturday, with the opening by Victorian Governor, Alex Chernov, of their new Narbethong Community Hall.
The architect-designed building, built as a collaboration of pro-bono architecture, engineering and surveying services, funded by generous donations of cash and materials, and constructed using local tradespeople, is set to become a notable landmark and local community icon.
The building, which replaces the community hall destroyed on Black Saturday, has been designed with bushfire protection as a major requirement, alongside the need to reflect the Narbethong community’s heritage and inherent community spirit.
Governor Chernov spoke of the devastation of Black Saturday and of the community spirit and resilience the Narbethong community had shown through their efforts and determination to replace their hall.
“This ceremony really reflects all the things that are good about this community,” he said.
“People got off their bottoms, so to speak, to rebuild their hall showing great community spirit.”
“Your celebration today marks a tangible manifestation of all your efforts,” he said.
He then led the expectant crowd to the front of the building for the official opening.
The group included Narbethong Hall Committee members, federal, state and local government representatives, major donor representatives, leading architect Ninotschka Titchkosky from BVN Architects, Steve Hedger from local building firm Hedger Constructions, and regional sub-contractors and volunteers who helped on the project.
The response as one of the two large doors lifted and people had their first experience of the interior was one of audible amazement and appreciation.
The timber heritage of the area is reflected in the timber floor and ceilings and in the beautifully crafted blades which define the curving walls that separate the various public and utility areas.
The external walls are predominantly glass, protected by a bronze mesh fire-resistant screen that allows views in and out. Narbethong Hall Committee treasurer Jennifer Wood thanked the many people involved in the project, saying the Narbethong community had been overwhelmed by the generous donations of many organisations and individuals.
She said having local people working on the project was important to the hall committee.
“I’m happy to say that tradespeople from Narbethong, Buxton, Healesville, Eildon and Alexandra have all had a hand in constructing this hall,” she said.
The project received $834,000 from the Bushfire Appeal Fund, which she said was a link between the Narbethong community and the thousands who donated in the wake of Black Saturday.
She especially thanked McDonald’s, who were among the first to pledge their support with a donation of $520,000 and Emergency Architects and BVN Architecture who saw the project through. Ms Titchkosky said she was excited and happy to see the handing over of a project she and her team had been involved with since April 2009.
“I feel it is like a beginning rather than an end,” she said.
“I’m excited for the community and happy to pass it on to them to own it completely and make it part of their home, and their lives.”
