COUNTRY halls are not bricks and mortar, they are the people who gather within the walls.
That epiphany is what set comedian, actor and writer Damien Callinan on his never-ending journey of discovery of community hubs scattered across rural Victoria.
Last week, it was Yando where his visit came on the 70th anniversary of the hall being moved cross country through fences by horse and jinker from Oakvale.
Damien spent two days talking to locals for their stories about the hall before weaving them into the latest chapter of his comedic Hall Stories play last Friday night.
“I always do local research and connect with the towns,” Damien said before taking to the stage to face a packed audience.
“These are stories to pass on to the next generation and keep people talking.
“These little halls can be the only place for miles and you see how important they are to these communities.”
Damien said his first experience of small town spirit came in the aftermath of the 2009 Black Saturday fires.
“I was in Marysville three months after the fires ... not much was left but the welcome of the locals was special,” he said.
Friday’s celebrations also combined the district’s annual Christmas party, usually held just on Christmas as the harvest ends but brought forward for one year to the start of harvest.
Santa, on his first official visit to the Loddon this festive season, arrived on a header.
The 70th anniversary also saw a temporary display of the district’s history as the hall committee starts planning a history board outside the hall.
Members have already built a small pavilion that will display photographs and maps of the area.
Residents were also joined by architectural author Anne Morley whose book on historic tin halls across Victoria is nearing publication.
Anne attended last year’s Christmas function when researching the book expected to feature more than 140 halls.
“They are the most humble little buildings and unsung heroes,” Anne said.
Derby, Dingee and Fentons Creek halls are also expected to feature in the book.