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  • 2 hours ago
Town halls have always been a focal point for regional communities in Tasmania, but many have been closed or sold off over the past century as the number of local councils has shrunk. But some of Tasmanian’s remaining town halls are again being used to foster social connections, and others are getting as new life as entertainment venues

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00:03The sound of American clogging fills the Rowella Community Hall in Northern Tasmania every Sunday afternoon.
00:10We have a lovely dancing time and then we have afternoon tea and it's just a really nice community feel.
00:15So I think that's what makes it so special.
00:17The 99-year-old former church has a thriving social calendar.
00:21Many locals live on large rural properties, so events at the hall help connect them.
00:26It can be an isolating area for people so it's good to have an activity close by that they can
00:34come and join and be part of.
00:36Melbourne comedian Damien Callanan has toured a comedy show called Hall Stories for the past two years.
00:42He develops the shows by meeting with communities to hear colourful tales of each hall's past.
00:47They're a bit more recognised now for not just being a place of getting together but a place of refuge.
00:53As this place was in 1929 during the floods.
00:56Callanan performed the show at Launceston's Albert Hall earlier this year.
01:01The Albert Hall has been the cultural hub for Northern Tasmania since it was built in 1891.
01:06It's recently been enjoying a resurgence, hosting festival performances and musicals,
01:11while the nearby Princess Theatre is closed for renovations.
01:15But it's the more modest events that often create the strongest memories.
01:18There wouldn't be anybody in Launceston who has not had something to do with the Albert Hall,
01:23whether it is the graduation or the school dance.
01:27A place for connection in every community.
01:29Can that be?
01:30Could you say about that?
01:31Oh my.
01:33Can that be?
01:33For theус!
01:33The Albert Hall of Energy
01:33Was a good thing.
01:33The Albert Hall of Energy
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