Rushworth is an old gold mining town of significant historic value yet fortunately, with the passing of the gold rush era, has been engulfed in a protracted somnolence that has escaped the wrath of developers.
At the top of High Street sits the Shire Hall, an imposing building constructed out of bricks that were fired in the region. This year it is celebrating its 150th anniversary since it was constructed. The laying of the original foundation stone was marred by it being purloined almost immediately, a testament perhaps to the larrikin nature of the town’s early inhabitants.
Throughout the years the Shire Hall has obviously seen a myriad of performances, films, festivities and celebratory and commemorative occasions pass through its doors. To help mark its sesquicentennial anniversary, the Rushworth Community House committee have been putting together a series of events to mark the occasion.
The hall, as a feature of the town, plays an important part in maintaining its social cohesion in keeping with the annual street parades and monthly street markets.
As the Community House committee continues to acquire governorship of different assets to promote an art precinct, it all serves to add to the artisanal nature of the town and the quiet revival the importance of community.