Mount Eccles Hall celebrated the 90th anniversary of the ABC in appreciation of its role in keeping regional communities informed and entertained. The centrepiece of the Hall’s tribute to Australia’s national broadcaster was a cake portraying a film strip of historic photos from Mount Eccles Hall.
Established in 1905, the Mount Eccles Hall is the hub of the community; a place for social connection, celebrations, events, and sharing information, in much the same way as the ABC has been since 1932. Approximately, 20 people from the local community joined the celebration, singing ‘happy birthday’ to the ABC before cutting the Mud cake - appropriate in South Gippsland at this time of year! The neighbouring Hallston, Mount Eccles, Wild Dog Valley Rural Fire Brigade was also in attendance, recognising the ABC’s valuable role during emergency incidents.
“The Mount Eccles Hall committee was very keen to bring the community together to celebrate the ABC’s 90 years and the role it has in our rural area”, said Nikki Williams, president of the Mount Eccles Hall.
Local designer, Teresa Saviane enthusiastically met the challenge of decorating a cake in tribute to the ABC. In conjunction with local historian Pat Spinks, they sourced photos depicting various Hall events. The photos were reduced, printed on edible frosting, then wrapped around the cake in a ‘film strip’ - linking to the theme of ABC television - and ending at the top of the cake with an historic picture of the Hall.
The idea of celebrating the ABC’s anniversary was suggested by the South Gippsland Shire Council (SGSC) Community Strengthening Team which convenes the Halls Network. This unique network is a forum for sharing information and resources amongst the 46 Halls across the hills of South Gippsland, owned either by SGSC or the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). “The community is very proud of the Mount Eccles Hall; it has a special place in our lives, just like the ABC! said Nikki Williams.
