Excitement at Mooroopna halls over major restoration project

By Caleb Francis

May 4, 2023

Funding: The Mooroopna and M.G. O’Brien halls suffered severe damage during the October 2022 floods. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The committee of management for the Mooroopna and M.G. O’Brien halls says it is thrilled with recent developments in the ongoing restoration project.

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With grants of $11,000 from both the Greater Shepparton Foundation and the Lighthouse Foundation, the wooden floorboards of both halls, which were badly damaged during the October 2022 flood event, will be sanded back and refinished.

In addition, a $1000 donation from the Mooroopna Kiwanis Club will help the committee purchase a new refrigerator for the halls.

Thankful: Christine and Denys Parnell. Photo by Megan Fisher

“We are so thankful“ committee of management treasurer Christine Parnell said.

The halls are owned by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and the committee is currently preparing a grant submission to fund the rest of the restoration project.

During a recent visit by DEECA representatives, concerns were raised about the suspended ceiling in the Mooroopna Hall, which was water-damaged and looked dilapidated.

Pleasant surprise: The plaster cornice discovered in the Mooroopna Hall. Photo by Megan Fisher

Upon closer inspection, the committee discovered stunning moulded plaster cornice work and a proscenium arch on the hall’s stage, both from the 1890s.

Excitement is building as the committee debates the best course of action for the original features, as the ceiling needs to be replaced for safety reasons.

With work on the floors set to commence in the coming months and a major restoration project under way, the Mooroopna and M.G. O’Brien halls are set to become jewels in the town’s cultural crown.