Hall's fascinating history
LAST week's story on Horsham Rural City Council's Social Infrastructure Plan (Wimmera Mail-Times, September 20) caught my attention - particularly the spotlight on the Sailors Home Hall.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Some readers may be interested in the saga that engulfed the Murra Warra building shortly after its completion. According to a Horsham Times article published in December 1922, the newly-erected building was destroyed by a "tornado like air current".
"The iron roof was torn away and sheets of iron were carried varying distances in an easterly direction for fully a mile... the huge principals supporting the roof were hurled about as though they were straws," the article read.
By July 1923 the reconstruction of the hall was nearing completion.
However, according to the Horsham Times, the committee behind the project received a "sharp letter" from the then-health department stating that the disaster could have been averted had the department been notified of the hall's completion and undertaken an inspection.
The newspaper article went on to state that the department was "assuming a little if they imagine the cyclone that struck the hall and uprooted big trees could have been averted by them".
Despite the disastrous weather event and the health departments stern letter, the Murra Warra community got behind the hall's restoration and a long-awaited grand opening was finally held in October 1923.
The fact the hall is still standing 96 years later is quite the achievement.
Emma Kelly, Canberra and formerly of Horsham
Time to recognise history
THE trees along the Western Highway were already about 50 years old when the Magna Carta was signed in 1215.
So why is white and European heritage, such as Notre Dame in Paris, so sacrosanct - while sacred Aboriginal heritage is worthless?
Recently heavy machinery and security guards have arrived on site. A recording of a conversation between security guards is available via the Djab Wurrung Embassy Facebook page. This shocking conversation reflects a general attitude prevalent among white Australians for 231 years, still widespread and entrenched today.
I believe we must try to bridge the void. We must honour Djab Wurrung culture and reroute the highway, which does not have to smash this sacred grove.
This incredibly important site should become a place of pilgrimage and visitation - with the permission and guidance of the Djab Wurrung, of course.
Just imagine being guided around this ancient living grove, awed by the majesty and splendour of the Sacred Trees, listening to the Djab Wurrung legends. It would engender respect for Aboriginal people, culture and history which is so sorely needed in Australia. A "win-win" situation.
People would come from all over the world to have such a marvellous experience. We just need to change our collective attitudes.
Claire Bettington, Maroubra, NSW