The hall now has a 3.5m x 1.9m (160 inch) motorised projector screen for PowerPoint presentations and films, thanks to $14,300 from Strathbogie Shire Council and $1778 from Avenel Active.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Laura Binks said the modern technology provided exciting potential for small and larger events with flow-on benefits for the community.
"The new audio-visual system will support community groups with the right equipment for meetings and other events of interest, such as entertainment and conferences," Cr Binks said.
"We are proud to support the hall committee and Avenel Active in their vision to boost the hall's capacity for community members and attract new events with social and economic benefits for the area."
Avenel Active member Jeff Moran worked with the Avenel Memorial Hall committee on the successful Pitch My Project submission to Council for the audio-visual system before the 2021-22 Draft Budget.
"The hall has many spaces suitable for meetings of various sizes and a kitchen suitable for catering and conferences, so the digital projector and screen has made this beautiful old hall more multi-purpose," Mr Moran said.
"There is now capacity for conferences, film nights and attracting professional performances.
"The hall is also a heat refuge for extended power outages because it has a solar panels and battery; the inclusion of the digital projector means people can watch movies and stay cool while waiting for their power to come back on."
Groups enjoy new community asset
Avenel Memorial Hall secretary and booking officer Deanna Wilson said Avenel Football Netball Club was one of the first groups to enjoy the high-quality stage-size screen during last year's vote count.
"Instead of taping a white sheet to the wall [to project images], the club watched the vote count on the big screen," Miss Wilson said.
She said the community had also benefitted from the big screen during recent events run by Avenel Active; Storytime Writing workshops, and an information session on the Avenel Pilot Program for Renewable Energy.
Miss Wilson expected growth in hall bookings as the community and organisations learnt of the multi-use upgrade, combined with renewed confidence in event planning since COVID-19 restrictions eased.
"This screen is a big asset for the community; there are so many opportunities," she said.
"Coming out of [2021] lockdowns, the screen is still really new to the community and we are expecting bookings to increase."
