Valdora Community Hall Association celebrated its 80th anniversary with afternoon tea at the hall on August 9. Secretary Karen Ryan said it was a good day with just under 100 people attending.  Many long time friends met up again and shared stories.  Graham and Ian McLucas, grandsons of the first Chairman of the Hall Association, Joe McLucas, 1930 - 1945 and then vice chairman for several years, came from Bundaberg and Brisbane respectively to share their memories.  Pam Thomson was farewelled after her long association with the Hall having been Treasurer from 2001 to 2015 as well as Secretary from 2007 to 2013.  Pam also regularly cleaned the Hall and made sure it was well stocked with the necessities of life.  Many of the Valdora Villains, the ballroom dance group who kept the Hall financially viable for many years and organised many events, were in attendance sharing their memories and catching up with long time friends.  The members of the Maroochy Vehicle Owners Club Inc who organised the event, had their cars on display and were very gratified by the comments from everyone that is was a wonderful afternoon and well worth the effort.  This is what Community Halls are all about, bringing communities together and forging long time friendships.  

"10 August was the official opening day of the Hall in 1940, almost 12 months after WWII started,” said Secretary Karen Ryan. "Imagine the mood of the people at this time. It must have been trying times for them all but a community has come together to build a Hall and to support each other.

"There was lots of ideas and fundraising during the previous 10 years but the decision was made to borrow the money and build the Hall and get on with things. When I talk to anybody about the history of the Hall the overwhelming fact that gets repeated many times is some good times were had at the Hall and wonderful friendships forged. That is what a Community Hall is all about.

"There are many names prominent of the Committee List inside. Joe McLucas was our first Chairman/President from 1930-1945 and then Vice President for a few years after that. Other names such as George and Edgar Thorogood are prominent and of course I think it was Edgar who donated the land we stand on. Then you see Fay Chant and Helen Standage and of course, the Benfer Family. Frank Benfer appears to have been a real go getter and I think, instigated the modernisation of the Hall. Then we have our very own Pam Thomson who was Treasurer for 15 years from 2001-2015 and at the same time Secretary for 6 years from 2007-2013. Pam has more than done her bit to keep the Hall viable and we sincerely thank her for her efforts. The Valdora Villains were integral in keeping the Hall financially viable and you will see many photos of their shenanigans on the TV in the Hall.

"So many other names are there and they all played their part in the life of this community and we owe them all a debt of gratitude as you see so many Community Halls sitting unloved and unused."