In 2025, Regional Arts Victoria began a partnership with Golden Plains Shire to activate small community halls for creative presentation.
Across the Golden Plains Shire, small community halls are at the heart of local life — places where people gather, connect and celebrate. But behind the scenes, many of these halls are sustained by dedicated volunteer committees who are increasingly stretched thin. Administrative demands, governance responsibilities and day-to-day operations often leave little time or capacity to explore creative programming.
Recognising both the challenge and the opportunity, RAV and Golden Plains Shire are piloting a two-stage initiative designed to unlock the creative potential of at least five local halls.
The first stage focuses on working closely with committees to understand their unique needs, from governance and financial management to long-term vision. This ensures that every next step is grounded in the realities of each community.
From there, the program moves into tailored capacity building. Committees are supported with practical tools and knowledge across key areas including legal obligations, fundraising, volunteer succession and pathways to hosting arts events and touring programs. The goal is not just to build skills, but to build confidence.
A pilot program proposal is currently being developed and funding options investigated by both RAV and the Shire with the intention to deliver the program in the second half of 2026.
Through this work, small halls are being reactivated as vibrant cultural hubs, places where creativity can flourish alongside community connection.
As Dr Fiona Lee, Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisor at Golden Plains Shire Council, explains:
“The partnership support provided by Regional Arts Victoria for the Small Halls Pilot Program has the potential to create a lasting impact — both strengthening our current volunteer base and establishing a stable foundation for local community organisations. With this foundation in place, those organisations can confidently attract new members who might otherwise feel daunted by the significant governance responsibilities that come with caring for these valued community assets. We anticipate these strong foundations will also result in increased cultural and community activity in these spaces.“
This pilot is about more than programming, it’s about sustainability. By investing in the people who care for these halls, we are helping to ensure they remain vital, welcoming spaces for generations to come.
Images L-R: Interior of Meredith Community Hall, Happy Valley Hall, Garabaldi Hall. Photos: Stacie Bobele