Digital Investment Connects Communities

The communities of Emerald Hill and Mullaley are better connected thanks to significant technology upgrades in the village halls.

Gunnedah Shire Council and Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program, in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), funded the supply and install of laser projectors and 100″ motorised screens in both halls, improving digital capabilities for the various user groups.

Director Community and Development Andrew Johns said the investment of more than $12,000 provided the Emerald Hill Progress Association and Mullaley Hall Committee with increased capability to deliver professional events and forums, and will enhance the knowledge and skills of their members, enabling them to live, learn and work in a digital society.

“These proactive groups are passionate about improving these historical buildings to meet the changing needs of their communities, and Council is glad to support them in this,” he said.

The technology upgrades were strongly supported by both groups who said the halls were the centre of their communities.

Emerald Hill Progress Association Secretary Ali Chaffey said the investment strengthened the way the hall was already being used by users ranging from the community level of Ooranga Playgroup, ladies’ exercise classes, family reunions and the village Christmas party, to the corporate level of GrainCorp and landcare organisations, and even government to host ordinary Council meetings.

“I can see that projector being used by so many different people in so many different ways,” Ms Chaffey said.

“The hall itself is such a special space. It’s 104 years old now and to see it maintained and cared for, and also utilised and modernised, so it can continue to be relevant for all those user groups, it’s such a special thing.

“It really does facilitate people coming together.”

Mullaley Hall Committee member Georgina Gavel said the space connected the community and was a gathering place in day-to-day life and difficult times such as drought and flood.

“It is the location for many community events, workshops and celebrations, live music, barbecues, forums, Council meetings, get-togethers, and touring country roadshows, and is pivotal to our community’s emotional resilience and mental health,” she said.

“Our small volunteer committee relies on fundraising and grants like the Telstra Connected Communities Grant Program to approve the amenity of the hall and to purchase equipment and infrastructure that would otherwise be out of reach.

“The equipment will enable our committee to enhance our capacity to run professional meetings, workshops and presentations at the hall and extend the reach of our audience, while attracting new events and activities at the hall.”

Captions:

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Public Facilities Officer Andy Farquhar (second from right), Emerald Hill Progress Association President Rob Witts, association member Danny Kannapinn and Secretary Ali Chaffey try out the new projector and screen at the community hall.

The Mullaley community has already taken advantage of the new technology, gathering for a family movie night. Image: Supplied.