New stage curtains at Jerrys Plains Community Hall 

Visitors to the Jerrys Plains Community Hall will be impressed with the newly upgraded stage curtains thanks to a joint donation between Yancoal Australia’s Ashton and Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) mines, Glencore Coal’s United Wambo Joint Venture and Hunter Valley Operations. 

The community hall is extremely popular and frequently hired by the local school, mother and baby community groups, community events, as well as parties and birthday celebrations.

The $18,000 joint donation between the miners covered the supply and installation of two royal blue curtains and a new track and pulley system, which is strong and robust.

Maureen Pratt, President of the Jerry Plains School of Arts Hall was delighted with the new curtains.

“The Community Hall is very popular with the local community hiring it out for activities, productions and events, and we only have a small budget to keep it clean and insured.

“The previous curtains were old, torn and out-of-date in terms of Australian fire-retardant standards, therefore we recognised the immediate need to replace them.

“Additionally, when the hall is used for theatrical productions, the stage curtains can bring an extra sense of magic to performances so it’s vital they are visually appealing. 

“We are thrilled with the new grand wool curtains. They are plush, create atmosphere, divide the stage, assist with controlling sound and look fantastic. 

“Also importantly, the new curtains meet the fire-retardant standards, so we are very thankful to the local mines for their donations,” said Maureen.

The Jerrys Plains Community Hall is a focal point of the village and local district and was built off the back of local fundraising over many years. The hall is used by Jerrys Plains Public School, the ToyBox group, on election voting days and for many other local community functions and celebrations. It is managed by 10 committee members who all volunteer their time to keep it running efficiently. 

Ashton Coal Operations Manager, Michael Bartlett was pleased to help upgrade the hall.

“The Jerrys Plains Community Hall plays an important part in our community, bringing people together for group activities, social support, information sessions and theatrical productions. 

“Our Community Support Program is designed to help make a positive difference to the people that live in our local community and by helping fund this upgrade to the hall, we hope it brings delight to people in our area and can be enjoyed for many years to come,” said Michael. 

Aislinn Farnon, Environment and Community Manager at Glencore’s United Wambo Joint Venture, said the business was proud to be part of the initiative. 

“We’re proud to contribute funding for new curtains at the Jerrys Plains Community Hall, which both enhance safety and create a more inviting atmosphere for the community,” Aislinn said. 

“We understand the hall’s significance to the local community, so it’s fantastic to be able to support its improvement.”

The donation was celebrated at a special event with an unveiling of the new stage curtains and acknowledgment of the mine’s contribution.