The word community means a sense of belonging, a shared identity. Community provides a sense of solidarity where people can thrive.
That’s what the Tarcutta Community Hall provides for locals. A vital hub for community activities and a symbol of local pride and heritage.
The Black Summer Bushfires had a significant impact on the small town of Tarcutta. Like many rural communities, Tarcutta was directly affected by the fires in terms of both physical damage and emotional toll.
The town centre was spared from the flames. Unfortunately, some homes and properties on the outskirts of town were not so lucky.
Infrastructure like roads, power lines and communication networks were disrupted. The town faced power outages, limited access to essential services and significant disruptions to daily life.
The Tarcutta Memorial Hall has had a range of upgrades to improve its role and resilience. These upgrades were funded by the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program. With over $180,000 of funding, the Wagga Wagga City Council were able to:
Luke Fitzgerald, Facilities Manager at Wagga Wagga City Council said “The air-conditioning has been a major part of the improvements. We’ve got some really good heating and cooling going for winter and summer that will make the meeting place so much more comfortable for the community.”
Following the upgrades, several community events have been held in the hall. These included the Acacia Quartet and International Guests, Tape-It! bringing the community together.
It's clear that the Tarcutta Memorial Hall will remain a treasured hub for the whole community. The upgrades will ensure the Hall continues to bring people together for years to come.
Rhonda Shoemark, a Committee Member from the Tarcutta Memorial Hall said “The hall is good and people feel comfortable in there. We’re really looking forward to a good life for the hall and the community.”
“We’re so grateful that the whole country is on board from the top level down to the local government to help little communities like this out. So that halls and sports grounds and all sorts of things can survive and grow.”
