News

One hundred years of memories at the Milloo Hall

By Lua Ikenasio

Oct 20, 2025

The Milloo Hall committee with key stakeholders who made the day possible. Photo: Supplied.

The Milloo Hall was abuzz with activity on Saturday, October 11 as guests from around the region gathered to celebrate the hall’s centenary.

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The event attracted about 200 people, many of whom had grown up in the area or had a connection to the hall.

Keith Bergmeier, Lolita Bergmeier, Joy McKerihan and Graeme Bergmeier travelled to Milloo from Melbourne to celebrate the day as their Grandfather was an original donor for the hall. Photo: Supplied.

Milloo Hall committee secretary Narelle Betts said the event was a huge success.

“It was just fantastic, we could not have asked for a better day,” she said.

“It was so good to look around and see all the people just having such a good time, catching up with old buddies ... We had people who hadn’t seen each other for 55 years, it was just such a beautiful day.

“Everyone that attended said to me they had the best day, and that’s made it all worth it. The committee worked so hard, for so long.”

Narelle Betts and Monica Brereton pointing out their great-grandfather, who was among the list of the local people to donate money for the building of the hall. Photo: Supplied.

Throughout the day, guests were free to enjoy everything the Milloo Hall had prepared for the celebration, including a free barbecue lunch and Milloo Hall souvenirs for purchase.

To add to the atmosphere of the day, there was a 1925 vintage car display for guests to explore, and the popular Locky Ukers band played hits from the last century.

There was plenty to see inside the hall, with memorabilia, photos, newspaper clippings and artefacts that had been collected by the committee over the past three years.

The walls were also lined with dresses and clothing from events that had been held at the hall, such as debutante balls and dance nights.

Jim Brereton, Brian Touhey and Henry Bacon have a chat among the 1925 vintage cars on display. Photo: Supplied.

Committee president Graeme Collins shared a few words on the day, taking guests on a walk down memory lane as he recounted the rich history of the hall.

The major highlight however, was the unveiling of the committee’s highly anticipated monument — a brand-new gate with the words ‘Milloo Hall Centenary 1925–2025’ inscribed on it.

Three former committee members, Norm Baker, Phil Collins and Joe Chapel, were then given the honour of cutting the special centenary cake.

To wrap up the day’s formalities, a special morning tea was served by the Country Women’s Association before guests continued to catch up with old friends and enjoy everything the event had to offer.