From the Mayor: Rainy day reveals an amazing Kundabung Hall Committee

Published on 24 October 2022

On Thursday evening last week, I had an incredible experience when joining some of the local community, fellow Councillors and Council staff at the Kundabung Community Catch-up. The event was surprising in several ways.

Due to the ongoing rain (ironically it was National Water Week) the turnout was somewhat smaller than we had anticipated.

However, in a true demonstration of every cloud (or many clouds) having a silver lining, the content and results of the evening could not have been more impressive.

Among those present were current and past members of the Kundabung Hall Committee. The story they told of their actions, hopes and plans was nothing short of awe inspiring.

The Kundabung Hall has fallen on hard times. For a variety of reasons, the last few years have seen their cherished markets postponed indefinitely. The grounds and facilities need work.

Rather than letting this get the better of them, or waiting for others, this tightknit community embraced the challenge. More impressively, they have done it in a methodical manner that will set them in good stead for years to come.

Their goal was clear: “We want our markets back.”

Rather than just kicking off and hoping for the best, these incredible locals looked at the way their committee was set up, their risk exposure and their finances. Then they made a list of what they needed to do, so that when the markets restart, they keep going.

From barbecues to tables, basketball courts to storage, water tanks to community gardens, the list is comprehensive and yet also achievable. They told us about this journey.

These amazing Kundabung locals will succeed and deserve our congratulations. Council will be doing everything we can to help.

If you are involved in any kind of community group, I suggest seeking out of these leaders of the Kundabung community for five minutes to hear how they are organising themselves.

For every single one of you in the Shire, when those markets start up again, get down and join the community fun and line up for a bacon and egg roll. I hope to see you in the queue!