General News
8 April, 2024
Pipe band hall re-opened
The Maryborough and District Highland Pipe Band hall is all tuned up following renovations funded by a $19,400 grant from The Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud. The project is a part of the Community Bank’s $250,000 Community Grant...
The Maryborough and District Highland Pipe Band hall is all tuned up following renovations funded by a $19,400 grant from The Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud.
The project is a part of the Community Bank’s $250,000 Community Grant Program, which has supported 27 local community groups.
The grant allowed the pipe band to clean off mould on the ceiling, which appeared during COVID lockdowns as well as repaint the interior of the hall, kitchen, toilets and the large logo at the entrance.
Maryborough Pipe Band member Lisa Cumming said she is delighted to see the band back in the hall.
“The mould on the ceiling became a real health issue — we couldn’t practise in the hall because it was unsafe for the members to be in there,” she said.
“We are really thankful to the community bank for their grant as it enables us to be back in the hall and have our band practices and gatherings.
“The hall is also now available to hire for the community, which we haven’t been able to do for quite some time — we have had enquires in the past, but it wasn’t safe to do so.
“This place holds everything the band has and the history of the band, so if we couldn’t use the hall, it really destabilises the band.”
The refurbished hall comes as the pipe band prepares for the Australian Pipe Band Championships on Saturday, April 13 at Princes Park.
The national competition will be held in Maryborough for the first time since the inaugural event in 1961.
Maryborough Pipe Band member Sharon Hare said she is excited to see the national event return to Maryborough.
“We have been able to hold band practice in the hall in preparation for the championships and the day before the competition, we will have our full rehearsal,” she said.
“It is very special for the town to be able to host the national championships, and we get to be a part of the day which is very exciting.
“We are looking forward to the street march, and the mass band is always fun at the end.
“We are thankful to the Highland Society for bringing the event to Maryborough and the support they have given us over the years and for these championships.”
The event begins at 9 am on Saturday, April 13 with a street parade from High Street to Princes Park, and competitions starting at10 am, and presentations at 5 pm.
For more information, visit www.championships.pipebandsaustralia.com.au