Shire will demolish Strathallan’s historic hall

And what has been a community hub for generations - hosting everything from dances, parties, community barbecues and the annual Christmas tree celebration - is now being turned into a nature reserve.

It is a bitter blow for the Strathallan Community Group, which only took ownership of the hall and its adjoining reserve earlier this year — hosting working bees and community gatherings to tidy the long-neglected grounds and shape plans for the hall's future.

At the time secretary Cheryl Nelson said the working bees had been well supported.

“We had people turn up with all sorts of equipment for slashing grass, trimming back trees, raking up leaf litter and tree rubbish,” she said.

The clean-up culminated in a bonfire and sausage sizzle, giving residents an opportunity to come together and discuss what they wanted for the historic hall.

The group was also growing a community crop planted on leased land in the Strathallan area, with local businesses and farmers generously chipping in seed, labour, machinery, fuel and agronomy services as in-kind support.

Any profits from the crop were to go directly towards the hall renovation, with the group also planning to use the funds raised as a strong foundation when applying for external grants.

The community crop was due for harvest in the next four to six weeks but whatever it raises will not save the hall.

The group had also established a National Grain Register account, allowing local grain producers to donate part of their harvest to the project.

Ms Nelson said any renovation work would have fallen short if the building remained vulnerable to another flood ― which is why lifting the hall above flood level had become a central focus for the group.

It had been seen as the first step of the renovations, followed by work on the electrical systems, original floorboards, walls and kitchen area ― along with landscaping and improvements to the adjoining reserve.

The hall has remained a cherished part of Strathallan, with the group originally setting its sights on having the building fully restored in time for its centenary in 2029.

However, Campaspe Shire and the hall committee ended up reviewed four options for the hall, from renovation to detonation.

The chosen option is to demolish the building and transform the site into a nature reserve, which will feature picnic tables, a shelter, and informative signage about the site’s history.

The shire and hall committee are working together to design the reserve.