The McCullys Gap Hall has been a community hub for locals for more than 100 years. The newly formed committee is working to refresh the Hall and recently received a grant from Bengalla Mining Company to get them started.
The committee successfully applied for a grant through Bengalla’s Community Development Fund which will enable them to install a new environmental system, helping address important health, safety and compliance needs while ensuring the facility can continue to host community events and functions into the future.
Steve Moffit, McCullys Gap Hall Committee President, said the current septic system has been there for about 50 years, so it’s overdue for an update.
“This was the first major application we’d put together as the new committee so we were over the moon to be successful.
“The McCullys Gap Hall is right in the middle of McCullys Gap next to the Rural Fire Service station. It has served as a central meeting spot for the community since its inception. It’s seen families grow up, and now those kids, and their kids are coming back to the area. It’s a place for everyone to come together.
“As the new committee we are trying to bring the hall back to being a focal point and a local meeting point for meetings or things that are happening.
“The hall is fairly dated so we are doing what we can to bring it back to life. We want to do a lot more, but it’s all done by volunteers and through donations so we’re chipping away at it,” Steve said.
Fiona Hartin, Bengalla’s Community Relations Specialist said are proud to be able to support the committee and their work.
“The opportunity came about after a McCullys Gap Hall committee member reached out to Bengalla for support. Our team assisted the group through the application process and helped them submit a funding application through Bengalla’s Community Development Fund.
“The application was approved in recognition of the important role the hall plays as a central hub for the local McCullys Gap community and the project reflecting Bengalla’s ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable and positive outcomes across the Upper Hunter community.
“The upgrade will support the ongoing operation of the facility and help ensure it remains a valuable gathering place for years to come,” she said.
| The McCullys Gap Hall has a noticeboard that is updated regularly at the Hall. They also share updates on their Facebook page, including upcoming events such as the next dance evening on July 11 and the Bush Poetry Night coming in September. |
Image caption: President Steve Moffit, Secretary Nellie Harcourt, Community Relations Specialist Fiona Hartin, and Member Jake Harcourt.
