Fedrocks 19, Illumination
Federal Hall, Jasper Corner | Saturday 17 August | 6.30pm | $25
Fedrocks 19 Illumination is the major fundraiser for Federal Hall at Jasper Corner. Come and party in the best little hall in the universe and help support a community who love their hall. Alan Goldstein the prez had a chat with The Echo.
Why are Federal Hall and the church so important to Federal as a community facility? What happens there?
Located in the centre of the village, both the hall and the old church are in almost daily use throughout the year by the community. The facilities are available to all members of the community, to not-for-profit events, and for commercial hire. The use by commercial users is carefully managed by the venue committee to ensure sufficient community-use availability. Activities range from cooking classes, exercise classes, meditation classes, weddings, ping pong evenings, celebrations, film and food functions, musical events, dance events and instruction, pop-up restaurants, to private weddings, birthday parties, or gatherings of community groups around subjects or activities of community interest.
How do you maintain the facility?
The facility is managed by an elected and volunteer management committee who manage venue booking, maintenance and repair, and all the many activities that are needed to ensure the buildings and grounds are kept in first-class condition for current and future community use. A key role of the committee is to ensure income is sufficient to cover the cost of operating the buildings and grounds.
Why do you need to keep raising money for community infrastructure?
It costs very close to $20k to operate this facility every year. Costs include insurance, annual maintenance and repair, as well as weekly maintenance. In addition major projects keep popping up, such as the recent total refurbishment of the church building, the landscaping or the recent painting of the hall. Just paid for is the cost of a major sewerage upgrade. Our income comes from venue hiring, donations, grants, and from specific fundraising activities.
Do you get any council support?
We receive no funds from the council as we operate as an independent incorporated association. However, Council and successive mayors are and have always been supportive of our activities and fundraising efforts.
What do you think halls offer a community that is different from pubs or clubs or other venues?
The key point here is that this is a community facility, built by the community, maintained by the community, used by the community… loved by the community. It operates not for profit but for the community… by the community. It is indeed the Heart of Federal.
What is going to be special about this year’s fundraiser?
Federal loves music and any opportunity to come together, but also there seems to have been a recent wave of new folk into the Federal area, many of whom are getting involved in community. That is bringing lots more fresh energy and people connections, which are very special and what make this a special place to live. This will be the first BIG dance night in the hall that will bring us all together for a boogie… now that is special.
Why is it called Jasper Corner?
We were looking for a name to draw the two buildings and the space together. Jasper was once a name used in this area to describe the area of the village and some say it even pre-dated Federal; we liked the name. The community agreed.
There’ll be a licensed bar and a delicious dinner from our chef Cam, of Forage and Graze fame. Tickets, available at the door, are $25.
We would love to see you all on Saturday 17 August from 6.30pm for Fedrocks 19, Illumination. All enquiries; phone Alan 6684 9313 or http://www.jaspercornerfederal.com.au/.
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