Kotta residents and visitors kicked off the weekend in style on the dance floor. Pictured are Julian Christian, Lyle Scurrah and Kotta Hall committee president Andy Christian. Photos: Supplied.
From the moment the Billabong Bushies struck their first chord, former and current Kotta residents took to the floor for a classic bush dance to start off a weekend of celebrations on Friday, October 9.
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Following the bush dance, the committee worked late into the night dressing the hall for “her” big day, an effort committee president Andrew Christian likened to “getting your grandmother ready for her 100th birthday”.
By Saturday morning, over 150 people from near and far arrived to mark a century of shared memories inside the tin and timber hall.
When guests stepped inside they were greeted by a static display lining the walls, featuring photographs and tables of memorabilia.
Lyle Scurrah reading the first recorded minutes of the Kotta Hall committee in 1924.
“The Kotta Hall, tin and timber, has captured and held the feelings of thousands over the journey,” Andrew said.
“When you’re near or in it, those memories get unlocked for a little while.”
That was certainly true for attendees who spent the day tracing the hall’s story from its earliest days to the present.
Residents including George Bradley, John Nicholson, Wendy Sims (née Bickford), Andrew Christian, Jessie Yosiffidis (née Hardess), James Yosiffidis and Xavier Johnson formed a panel that served as a live timeline of life in Kotta.
The residents’ panel included former Kotta postmaster George Bradley, John Nicholson, Wendy Sims (Bickford), Andy Christian, Jessie Yosiffidis, James Yosiffidis and Xavier Johnson, who all shared their own experience of life in Kotta.
George recalled riding his bike five kilometres to school through rain, hail, and shine, while John spoke about the challenges of dating without modern technology and Wendy reflected on the legacy of pioneering farming families.
Bringing the perspective of younger generations, Jessie, James, and Xavier shared their own experiences.
An early departure by the youngest panellist, Xavier, after receiving a TikTok notification, provided the perfect prompt for panel host Andrew to share a slice of local lore.
He reminded the audience of the original “tic and toc”, which dates back to the 1940s, referring to identical twins Graeme and Keith Pickens, who no-one in the district could tell apart.
The nostalgia was complemented by former local and guest comedian Monica Dullard, who regaled the crowd with a routine about the hall’s old wooden outdoor toilets and badminton days.
Former local and guest comedian Monica Dullard provided the crowd with laughter and memories of the past.
Her performance brought plenty of laughter before the Locky Ukers took the stage, while old friends reconnected late into the afternoon.
The celebrations extended into Sunday, with the hall reopening for visitors to take a final look at the historical displays alongside a fun run from Lockington to Kotta, capped off with a barbecue.
Andrew extended a special thanks to the dedicated hall committee and major sponsors Agnico Eagle, Campaspe Shire and Bendigo Bank for bringing the centennial celebrations together.
As the doors closed on an unforgettable milestone weekend, it was clear that Kotta Hall remained in the hearts and minds of its community, paving the way for the next 100 years.
The Locky Ukers performed while the crowd of Kotta locals and visitors mingled.
Angela Monsant, Kotta Hall committee member David Hammond and Loretta Cam (nee Monsant) were all smiles for the milestone weekend.
Former residents Cheryl Johnson (nee Yeaman) and Lance Johnson attended the hall’s big moment.
Henry Bacon, John Ham and Ken Sims scrubbed up nicely for the event.
Kiara Duncan made a celebratory cake.
Renee Christian and articles from The Riv across the years.
