New group keen to revive Diddillibah’s ‘thriving heart’

Dan Purdie, MP and Cr Ted Hungerford with old and new members of the Diddillibah Hall Committee. Photo: Marion Jonkers

Diddillibah Hall was constructed in 1889 about 150 metres east of the current site. It was the second Diddillibah school building. In 1937 a new more modern school building was constructed and this building was moved on logs by horse and winch to the present site and it has mainly functioned as a community hall since then. 

It was the thriving heart of the community for many years with regular dances and social get-togethers. It’s still used for voting. Now a younger generation is wanting to revamp the hall and the associated community spirit.

To that end an extraordinary meeting of the Diddillibah Community Hall and Progress Association Inc was held April 6 where an entirely new committee was elected after all longstanding Committee members stood down. 

Some office bearers had held positions for over 15 years and the retiring committee are to be thanked for extensive renovations and extensions made to the hall, providing improved accessibility and toilet facilities now located inside.  

The meeting was well attended despite a blunder with a failed leaflet drop by Australia Post seeing 1500 flyers misdirected to Brisbane. Thanks to Tony Krause 250 flyers did make it into letter boxes. 

Great enthusiasm and a keen interest in being involved was shown by the 30 people who attended. Time for some fresh new ideas to rekindle the vibrant heart of the local community that Diddillibah Hall has been since 1889. 

Newly elected President Ben McKay, who was married in the Hall soon after he moved to Diddillibah 8 years ago, said how inspired he was that mostly younger folk with growing families and jobs have taken on the Committee roles, and that he applauds them for their commitment. 

He talked of the transition we are in with retirees moving out of the area and younger families moving in. Although we are connected more than ever, there’s far less sense of community now than there was in days gone by. 

Marion Jonkers, who has lived in Diddillibah for 40 years, said she was excited at the newfound sense of community she has seen emerging over the last two years, with people keen to connect socially with their neighbours. 

“Last Christmas one of my neighbours held a wonderful street party which left me on a high for weeks,” said Marion. “It was so lovely to meet all the wonderful people who live tucked away on acreage properties in the beautiful quiet rural and bushland surrounds of Diddillibah and Kiels Mountain.”

Marion said a recent book launch at Diddillibah Hall saw 130 people turn out for afternoon tea in the park. “Now more than ever people need to feel a sense of belonging through social connection with neighbours,” she said. 

“I’m excited about plans to revive social dinners and music events at the Diddillibah Hall which used to happen frequently in the 80s and 90s.” 

Councillor Ted Hungerford, who chaired the meeting, said he was thrilled to hear all the new ideas brought to the fore. He offered his and council’s help in any way they can, especially in the obtaining of grants.  

Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie was impressed by the enthusiasm of Diddillibah residents and congratulated the young Committee who hope to bring Community Spirit back at a time when it’s needed more than ever.
He offered assistance in any future applications for grants. 

Office Bearers: 

President Ben McKay (0478 743 753), Secretary Luke Rogers, Treasurer Jayne Evans, Booking Officer Christina Romero, Assistant Booking Officer Barbara Krause, Publicity Officer Marion Jonkers (0411 094 684). Sub Committee:  Tony Pynsent, Linda Hunter, Allan Petts, Ian Payne, Suse Payne, Sandy Minke.

It’s not too late to become involved with the dynamic team that plans to see social activities including dinners and musical events, return on a regular basis to the Hall. Come along to the next meeting on June 8 at 7.30pm. Join the Diddillibah Community Hall Facebook group for updates and notifications on what’s happening.