The once dilapidated Mooroopna and M.G. O’Brien halls now stand proudly restored.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Three years ago, Mooroopna and M.G. O’Brien halls stood silent – their floors buckled, curtains heavy with floodwater and ceilings partially collapsed.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Now, the heart of Mooroopna is ready to sing again.
The community is invited to celebrate the grand reopening of the halls on Friday, October 17, marking the end of a long and emotional journey of recovery and renewal.
“It’s a day that I didn’t think would ever happen,” committee of management treasurer Christine Parnell said.
Ms Parnell has been at the centre of the restoration effort since the October 2022 floods — one of the worst flood events ever to hit Greater Shepparton.
However, it saw a community rise, determined not to let the heavy rains that pounded down and devastated their town prevail.
Transforming the halls from ruins to riches took more than two years of dedication from the hall’s management committee, numerous tradespeople, and financial support from state and federal governments, Greater Shepparton Foundation, Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project and Kiwanis Club of Mooroopna.
Many who contributed have not returned since.
“To invite them back to see what they helped create — that’s really special,” Ms Parnell said.
Mooroopna and M.G. O’Brien halls committee of management treasurer Christine Parnell and member Denys Parnell during the early stages of the restoration project.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“It’s important to acknowledge all the work that all the people in the community put into the halls, and the over 40 businesses in Shepparton involved in its restoration.
“We want to give a public thank you for the generosity of the state and federal governments, local organisations and the community for their patience because it has been a long journey.”
The reopening promises to be a lively event, starting with bagpiper Jason Blake “piping the place open”.
Additionally, local performer Stevie Renee, known for her role as Audrey in Shepparton Theatre Arts Group’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, will lend her own set of pitch-perfect pipes to the evening’s entertainment.
Guests will hear from City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali and representatives from key organisations that helped bring the project to life.
Supper, provided by Mooroopna Kiwanis Club, will round out the event.
Ms Parnell said the invite was open to the entire community.
After all, “we couldn’t have done it on our own”.
The grand reopening celebration of the Mooroopna and M.G. O’Brien halls is on Friday, October 17, from 6pm to 8pm at Mooroopna Hall, 41 McLennan St, Mooroopna.
For more information about the event or to hire the Mooroopna halls, contact 0492 175 566 or email mooroopnahalls@gmail.com
20°C