WHYLD Newsletter March 2022
Welcome to 2022 and a year we hope will bring us a greater sense of normality than the previous two years. It’s clear that we have entered a different phase in the pandemic now and we have planned our events and activities bearing this is mind, with most of our events held outdoors and, weather permitting, they will go ahead as scheduled. Our third year at the hall has us looking to expand our WHYLD membership (it’s free) and encourage greater community use of the hall, with group activities planned and potentially monthly movie nights later in the year. We are just waiting on confirmation of funds to have the inside of the hall painted and we are all excited to see the transformation this will bring to the internal space. Our seasonal minimarkets gathered momentum over 2021, and we look forward to bringing you Harvest in early autumn.
WHYLD welcomes new members, so if you are interested in any of our events or activities, please feel free to contact us by email: welcome@whyld.org.au, and please do like us on Facebook: WHYLD Community Group, or for more information visit our website: whyld.org.au.
This year we hope to complete the internal makeover and refurbish the interior of the hall. We have been invited by Tony Smith as part of the Casey Federal electorate, to apply for funds from the Stronger Communities Grant, which if secured will enable us to Deck the Hall with a complete makeover by painting the entire inside of the hall. This will include removal of soft particle board that was used to line the interior walls of the main room when it was developed as a kindergarten in the 1990’s. We hope to expose some of the original dado hardwood that was used in the refurbishment of the hall following the renovation and expansion of the hall following a fire in the 1970’s
We aim to undertake work during school term break to minimise disruption to regular hall-hirers. In our effort to support local business, Hassle Free Painting and Property Services has been recruited to undertake the work, and we look forward to working together with them.
We are excited about this project as we believe it will bring benefits to our WHYLD community in a number of ways. Firstly, the refurbishment of the interior of the hall will meet an important
requirement of our lease in the full maintenance of internal walls including painting on a 10-year cycle. This will boost the motivation of our WHYLD community group members who volunteer their time to manage the hall facility as well as demonstrate to Yarra Ranges Council our commitment to the management of the hall.
Secondly, the refurbishment of the interior of the hall will result in a well-maintained and attractive community space that we anticipate will encourage hall-hire and community use of the hall. We already have regular groups and individuals hiring the hall, and we hope that news of the hall refurbishment will spread. We expect an increase in hall-hire, especially when this current wave of the pandemic subsides and we settle into a sense of the new-normal. This will result in raising further funds that can then be used for further maintenance and upgrades to the facility. Ultimately, we hope that the Sydney Halbish Hall can become a central hub for our WHYLD community, which will be a great benefit for all.
A market for all seasons ...
Autumn
Our seasonal minimarkets got off to a great start in 2021 with a successful Autumn Harvest market held in the carpark on a drab day in March where drizzle didn’t dampen the spirits of those who came. Organic vegetables and colourful potted plants were particularly popular. Chris James from The Dreaming Space pulled endless tricks from his sleeve and our Easter eggs sent everyone home with a sweet smile.
Summer
We managed to top off the year on a bright note with our Festive Summer market held outdoors in the hall grounds on a warm sunny day in December. Red Cross erected their large marquee to provide ample shade and space for their huge range of preserves and knitting and the homemade lemon cordial provided cool refreshment. Other stallholders offered clothing, plants, cards, toys and gifts for purchase. Santa paid an early visit and sweet treats were offered to both young and old. Kofi and the Yarra Valley Drummers kicked off midway through the market drowning out the sirens with their African drumming as Santa departed on the fire truck.
Winter
A cosy Winter Craft market was held inside the hall in June with a window of opportunity between lockdowns! Under strict COVID restrictions everyone masked up inside the hall where there was a wide variety of craft stalls to browse and purchase from. Outside, the afternoon sun broke through the clouds. People socially distanced while they enjoyed the BBQ by Don Valley Primary School, barista coffee by Hoddles Creek Red Cross and Bronte’s melodic voice accompanied by her guitar.
Spring
Sadly, our Second hand market scheduled for September had to be cancelled due to the extended lockdown.
On a brighter note, our WHYLD COVID kits have been handed out to scores of visitors, as hourly door prizes drawn at each of our markets in 2021, We owe many thanks to the Yarra Ranges Council and their COVID – 19 Community Relief and Recovery Grants Program, whose funds have been used to kickstart and promote the markets, support our local artists by providing free entertainment and put together these door prizes.
Get into a group and grow ...
In our last newsletter we talked about the benefits of belonging to a group. While we can survive with food, water, warmth, rest and safety, it is well acknowledged that for our mental health and ultimate well-being we need more than these. Now that we are entering this new normal phase in the pandemic, WHYLD are keen to get some group activities happening at the hall to cater to our human needs of belonging and social interaction.
While there are plenty of established groups in our community, we want to get our own groups happening to encourage the use of our community hall and share the great space that we are developing. We have a range of spaces – both indoors and outdoors – that could lend themselves to a variety of activities and interests such as gardening, fitness, games, crafts – and so much more!
We already established a small twirling group – WHYLDfire – prior to the pandemic and are keen to revive this group, if there is enough interest. Twirling with LED poi is fantastic exercise for the upper limbs with a range of health benefits including stretching, strengthening, joint flexibility and improved muscle tone of arms, wrists and fingers. It can also improve hand-eye coordination and bilateral motor skills. Additionally, it helps to cultivate patience and persistence, increased confidence and self-esteem. Finally, it’s a great way to relieve stress and great fun!
We plan to meet at the hall on the first Sunday of the month from 2 until 5 pm, rain, hail or shine. We are looking for a person with poi and movement skills to lead the group.
All age groups would be welcome, but children will need parental permission. Please contact us if you’re keen.
Permaculture Yarra Valley have now made our hall their home base too, with their monthly meetings, some events and activities. Together with WHYLD, they are keen to develop a permaculture inspired garden space as well as a community garden space in our two separate outside areas of the hall.
This group could become a monthly meeting of like-minded souls with a passion for plants and a love of the outdoors. We envisage this group could learn the skills of growing plants from cuttings, to plant identification and garden design. We have a strong belief that we can all teach and learn from each other, so we are really just looking for someone who has a passion to get this group growing!
The hall is well equipped for a whole range of groups and activities, with ample storage inside as well as an outdoor shed. The main function room has a floor space of over 90 square metres and is light and well ventilated, with reverse cycle air conditioning. The kitchen has an electric stove with oven, microwave, small fridge, coffee pod machine, crockery, cutlery and the basic tools for food preparation. The carpeted meeting room has a large table with comfortable chairs and a white board. We look forward to hearing from you if you are interested in any of these proposed groups, want to start one of your own, or if you have any other suggestions for future activities at the hall.
