The 97-year-old hall had been earmarked for demolition following extensive flood damage in 2011 and 2022.
However, the community rallied together to form a committee to save the historic building.
On Monday, April 13, the ownership of the hall was successfully handed over to the Strathallan Community Group.
Committee member Cheryl Nelson said it felt great to be able to preserve a piece of the community’s history.
“The very beginning was the petition in which we showed that the community was in support of saving the hall,” she said.
“A big part of it was the historical value of the hall as the last building in that sort of Strathallan area that was still standing. The last icon, I suppose.
“It’s fantastic that it’s in our hands and we can take on the project of renovating and bringing the old girl back to life.”
Following the handover, the community group met on the same day to discuss next steps.
The group’s first priority will be assessing the extent of the damage and developing a long-term plan outlining what needs to be done and prioritised.
Although there is much work ahead to get the hall up and running again, Ms Nelson said the group was optimistic.
“There’s a lot to do in the next year or so to get the project off the ground and back to a form that we can actually hold events,” she said.
“We have confidence in the community and we’ve already got a lot of support from different people — local people and far and wide.
“We’ve got all sorts of different expertise within our committee and the community.”
Ms Nelson said all works on the hall would solely be the group’s responsibility.
“Aside from providing us with the hall, we haven’t been provided with other funds with which to progress,” she said.
“So it’s up to us to basically create whatever we need and gain community support in whatever way.”
To help get started, the group has set up a National Grower Register account, allowing local farmers to donate part of their harvest to the cause.
It is also planning future fundraisers and opportunities for the wider community to get involved.
Its first official event will be a meet and greet on Sunday, May 3, from 9am to 1pm at the Strathallan hall.
The day will also double as a working bee, with visitors invited to lend a hand sprucing up the hall and gardens.
A barbecue lunch and some beverages will be supplied on the day.
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