Local community halls are known as the hearts of townships, the places from which vitality and compassion flow through to the outer edges of communities.

Huon Valley Council Acting Mayor Sally Doyle says our halls are where you’ll see people get together for all sorts of activities, from produce markets to knitting circles, sport and exercise classes, to decades-held monthly feasts.

“This is where people come to catch up with one another and bond over shared interests, and also where they go if they need some support, even if it’s just an ear to listen,” said Cr Doyle. “As hubs of community-led activity, located from Mountain River to Southport, our halls play a vital role in promoting good mental health throughout our community, even among our most isolated residents.

“The success of our community halls relies on the dedication of their volunteer management committees who generously give their time to keep their doors open. These volunteers make a real difference to the wellbeing of our people.

“They are also on the lookout for new members.”

Since community halls reopened last month after a long closure due to COVID-19, committee members have been busy working on a safe return to operations with the support of Council.

“Our halls play a vital role in promoting good mental health throughout our community, even among our most isolated residents.”

It has now been a month since community halls have reopened to the public, with strict guidelines in place to ensure committee and community members can use them safely.

Cr Doyle says the halls will play a vital role in social recovery throughout the Huon Valley after the isolation of COVID-19.

“With social connection so important at this critical time, our halls are welcoming new members to help hold social events and community meetings, provide support information and help out with the general running of the hall,” said Cr Doyle.

All halls will be holding Annual General Meetings over the coming weeks and months. These meetings are an opportunity to hear about the activities that take place at halls during the year. The committees are always looking for helping hands so if you are interested, find the contact details of your local hall on the Council website at huonvalley.tas.gov.au and get in touch.

This article appears in the Huon News 22 July 2020.