More than 130 people including past and present Woorak residents and their families and friends gathered to celebrate the centenary of Woorak Hall on August 8.

People travelled from across the region and beyond, including Melbourne, Sydney and South Australia to visit the hall, catch up with old friends and neighbours, and share memories of Woorak from the past 100 years.

Olympic gold medallist and former Woorak local Lucy Stephan opened the centenary celebration, bringing her Olympic gold medal for the occasion and drawing a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.

Attendees were invited to sign a visitors book on arrival – the same book used five decades earlier when the community celebrated the hall’s 50th anniversary in 1976.

Inside the hall, a collection of photographs, memorabilia and historical displays gave visitors an opportunity to look back on a century of life at Woorak.

Among the displays were items recovered from a 2001 time capsule, which was opened in June after 25 years underground.

Two timber plaques made by Anthony Bone for the celebration were on display, providing a lasting record of the hall’s history.

One plaque lists the hall’s office throughout its history, while the other tells a story of a meeting to purpose build the hall, along with the history of its builder, Charlie Ansell.

A horse-drawn work cart belonging to Mr Ansell was on display at the front of the building, while other displays included old lanterns and a historic Weaver player piano, purchased in 1927 and remaining at the hall today.

Event emcee Gus Stephan gave attendees an insight into the history of the hall, which was built in 1926 through the efforts of the local community following the destruction of an original hall in a cyclone in 1897.

Woorak Hall president Michael Koop also addressed attendees, followed by Hindmarsh Shire Mayor Ron Ismay.

Ted Merrett brought another piece of Woorak history to life during the afternoon, playing a button accordion donated to the hall almost a century ago.

Old-fashioned games and a children’s activity corner kept attendees of all ages entertained, and guests enjoyed an afternoon tea provided by Menzies Symposium of Jeparit.

Woorak Hall Committee secretary-treasurer Wendy Crowhurst said the centenary was the culmination of months of planning by a Woorak Hall Centenary Organising Committee, supported by the hall committee, local volunteers, businesses, community organisations, sponsors and supporters.

“In the lead-up to the event, people came together and pitched in wherever they could, a true reflection of just how much the hall continues to mean to the Woorak community,” she said.

“Since opening in 1926, the Woorak Hall has hosted countless meetings, dances, celebrations, Christmas gatherings, weddings, sporting and community functions and fundraising events.

“While the district and the way the hall is used have changed over the years, it continues to provide an important meeting place for the local community.”

Ms Crowhurst thanked the volunteers, businesses and other organisations who helped make the event possible.

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