FRIENDS OF ST. BRIGID’S
Friends toast historic deal
MATT NEAL - THE WARRNAMBOOL STANDARD
21 Dec, 2009
THE community of Crossley has an early Christmas present - albeit one it has been sweating on for many years.
The Friends of St Brigid's signed on the dotted line on Friday, officially taking over the township's church and hall precinct from
the Catholic Church. It brings to an end a long-running battle to keep the buildings in the community.
The group was exhausted and relieved, with friends committee member Michael Lane describing the historic signing session at
Madden's Lawyers as "the end of the beginning".
Group secretary Teresa O'Brien agreed, saying that the community could now sit down and plan for the future, including restoring
the buildings to their former glory. "We might have a glass of champagne first," Ms O'Brien laughed.
"People were saying a year ago that it was impossible . . . but we were as determined as our ancestors when they arrived here
after the famine in Ireland," she said.
"But it's a great moment when the little guy wins. "We still have to prove ourselves though, and we will."
The group has battled to raise the necessary funds in order to secure a loan for the purchase of the precinct and its fund-raising
efforts came down to the wire.
The decommissioned church and hall went on the open market earlier in the year at $425,000, then was sold at a lower
undisclosed price to the community group.
Friends treasurer Gerry O'Brien said the target would not have been achieved without donations and determination from the
community. "It's been amazing," Mr O'Brien said. "We needed $200 yesterday to get over the line and it turned up."
Ms O'Brien said it was that generosity and the determination of the Crossley people that had made it all happen, as well as the
assistance of Grenville Skewes at Madden's Lawyers.
But before the planning sessions begin, the community will celebrate its first Christmas as owner of the precinct, with Christmas
carols and a barbecue from 5.30pm on Wednesday. "It will be a community celebration and a chance to enjoy each other's company," Ms O'Brien said.
No doubt it will also be a chance to reflect and relax after what has been a tough but well-fought battle.
The communities of Crossley and Killarney have successfully acquired their former Church and Hall and will keep these unique and culturally significant buildings in their community. Thankyou to all those people who have donated their money and time to help keep our community alive. With a community mortgage to pay,we will continue to work hard to retain this precinct as the vibrant centre of South West Victorian cultural life that it has been for over 130 years. With music, dance, language , a planned cultural Centre and a great community spirit, the Save St Brigid’s campaign is a great example of a community who would not let go of their past or their future! Support us by attending events, becoming a member or donating money or time to the Friends of St Brigid’s Assoc.