There’s something special about a community hall – and at Pearces Creek that sense of connection runs deep.
Established in 1897 and rebuilt in 1926, Pearces Creek Hall has long been at the centre of community life.
It was the perfect venue for a Halls with Heart event, attracting around 50 community members and local services and organisations for an evening focused on connection, wellbeing, and supporting one another in rural life.
Stories flowed – of weddings, school events, discos, Sunday gatherings and live music – highlighting the hall’s role across generations. Many shared how their parents and grandparents also gathered in this same space, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging.
For some, it was their first visit. One attendee described the experience as “new and spectacular” – a reminder that these spaces continue to welcome and connect new members of the community.
And, of course, no hall story is complete without a bit of humour… including the memorable tale of disco balloons filled by a vacuum cleaner that had previously been used for farm chores – creating a very distinctive smell when they burst!
A screening of “Just a Farmer” created a powerful and safe space to talk about mental health in farming communities. The film resonated deeply, reflecting the real challenges faced by farming families and helping to normalise conversations about wellbeing and reaching out for support.
At its core, Halls with Heart is about creating spaces where people feel comfortable to connect, share stories, and support one another – and Pearces Creek Hall did exactly that.
As RAMHP Coordinator, Samantha shared:
When people come together in places that hold shared history and meaning, it creates a safe space for real conversations. Events like this remind us that connection is one of our strongest protective factors in rural communities.
The Pearces Creek Halls with Heart event highlights the power of place-based, community-led initiatives in supporting rural wellbeing. The strong turnout and positive feedback show just how important it is to keep creating opportunities for people to come together, have a yarn, and look out for one another.
This event was proudly delivered in partnership with: North Coast Local Land Services, Northern Rivers Financial Counselling Service, Clunes Rural Fire Service, Red Cross, and the Pearces Creek Hall Committee.