At a council meeting earlier this week, director of community services Kevin O’Brien reported on a productive first four months of operations at the new Horsham Town Hall.

He also spoke about the Wesley Performing Arts Centre and Jubilee Hall’s full financial year.

He said the town hall registered ticket sales worth $300,000.

The first four months saw 129 bookings, showcasing everything from community events to business functions. 

“Significant achievements for the venues include the number and diversity of event bookings and the number of attendances,” Mr O’Brien said. 

A total of 19 schools and universities from across Hindmarsh, Southern Grampians, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack and Macedon Ranges shire areas, as well as Horsham and Ararat Rural cities, have visited the art gallery, totalling 98 visits. 

Council said 16 schools had attended performances. 

“This shows a high uptake by the community for the Horsham Town Hall, Horsham Regional Art Gallery, Wesley PAC and Jubilee Hall, the temporary location of the Horsham Regional Art Gallery,” Mr O’Brien said.

He said much of the hall’s success was due to dedicated volunteers. 

About 92 of the hall’s first 123 days featured activities. 

He said 172 volunteers had logged a combined 1580 hours in the town hall and art gallery.

Mr O’Brien said the hall and gallery were looking for ways to continue the momentum of the early success.

“Feedback on the new town hall and redeveloped art gallery has been extremely positive and we look to continue to strengthen and grow audience numbers,” he said.

“The report indicates that we are well on target of our goals to be a vibrant and outstanding centre for the arts.

“Those goals include presenting a diverse range of high quality arts and cultural experiences to our regional audiences; be a well-used multi use venue for a diversity of community and business activity; to achieve growth in income; and to operate efficiently and effectively.”

The town hall officially opened on January 29, with data collected until May 31.