Community effort revives historic Parkham hall and church

Parkham’s century-old church and hall have been lovingly restored and are now open for weddings, funerals and other community events. Run by a small but determined volunteer committee, the facilities offer a picturesque and budget-friendly option for those seeking something special without the high cost.

“It’s cheap to hire,” says Kaylene Aylett, president of Parkham Community Inc. “And the young people these days, and not just the young ones, the older ones too, they’re looking to get married where they don’t have to mortgage a house.”

The church and hall offer flexibility for formal or informal ceremonies, with scenic countryside views and room for receptions on-site. Overflow parking is available thanks to the generosity of a neighbouring farmer. “It’s a fantastic venue where they can have the reception here and it’s out in the middle of nowhere and lovely,” says Sharman Lewis, the group’s grants officer.

Maintaining these buildings comes at a cost. Insurance alone is more than $5,000 a year, a significant burden for a small rural community with limited income. “Now we have to concentrate on [paying for’] our insurance,” Aylett says. “It’s a big thing.”

Thanks to Lewis’s grant writing skills, the committee has been able to secure multiple rounds of funding to upgrade the property. Recent additions include new water tanks, heat pumps, a toilet block and vital structural repairs. Grants from Bendigo Bank, the Tasmanian Government, the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and other organisations have been critical in keeping the place operational. “We were very fortunate to get Bendigo Bank to come and help us paint the church,” says Lewis, who also secured a Tasmanian heritage grant for restoration work.

The buildings themselves have deep roots in the area. The church was built in 1902 using timber milled from nearby hills. The hall followed in 1917. Aylett’s great-grandfather donated the land, and generations of Parkham families contributed labour, food and money to bring the buildings to life. “They grew potatoes up on the hill and they were sold and money was put straight into the church and the hall,” she says.

While the congregation that once filled the pews dwindled, the buildings continue to serve the broader community. They’ve hosted music nights, trivia events, garden days and markets. One of the most memorable events was the Walker family reunion, which brought 1,500 descendants to the hall in a single day. “We danced at that door and back in that one,” Aylett says. “It went on from 10 o’clock in the morning till midnight.”

With the mortgage now paid off thanks to a surprise donation from a grateful family with historic ties to the town, the committee is hoping to see more people using the facilities and getting involved in the upkeep. “It’s the heart of Parkham,” says Lewis. “Without this building, there’s no Parkham.”

Aylett agrees. “We need this to keep us going. Our identity. We don’t need a shed. This is where the heart is.”

Bookings and inquiries can be made via the community’s website at parkham.com.au