Decisions are made in our community spaces Burra Town Hall
The Burra Town Hall (formerly the Burra Institute) has existed as a hub of community since its opening in 1874. From miners’ meetings to bachelor and spinster balls, and now modern movie nights, the hallowed community hall has seen it all.
It’s easy to imagine that all the important decision-making in our state happens in Parliament. Try telling that to Kymm Apostolides (AKA KymmBerlei) and Tina Couper, two of the Burra community’s many devoted volunteers. Neither hold political titles (one a former publican and hairdresser, turned drag performer and amateur historian; the other a bridal sewing machinist, turned heritage home restorer), yet each plays an active role in the civic life of Burra, and in the preservation of its history.
And the thread that binds them? A self-sewn flair for the fabulous.
The Town Hall is a home of history. Currently exhibited is a collection of memorabilia honouring Sir Hubert Wilkins, the famed South Australian explorer. Kymm Apostolides, who donated the collection, is quick to point out that the intrepid adventurer was the product of his regional upbringing.
The boy [Wilkins] had to plough, day in and out, care for his horse, fix anything that broke, make sure he captured a rabbit for his mother… it was the first six years of his life that prepared him for survival in his later explorations,” says Kymm.
“It’s true that regional communities foster a certain can-do spirit. A shearer, a farmer, and a politician are all on the same committees here. We see the value in our diversity.
Originally born in Murchison, New Zealand, but a Burra resident of nearly five years now, Tina Couper is quick to agree.
In her role as Chairperson of the ‘Back to Burra: 180 Years’ celebration committee (and several other committees besides), Tina is a strong advocate for volunteer involvement with community decision making.
“Friendship is one of the most vital things that comes out of my involvement with these groups. I’ve never known friendship like I’ve known it in this community,” says Tina.
It’s a sentiment echoed by Kymm: “Out here, we’re all family, just separated by paddocks.”
Family looks after one another, that much is clear. While Tina coaches at the Burra Squash club and volunteers monthly at the community repair cafe, Kymm performs regularly as one half of drag-duo the St Just Sisters, performing for free across the Goyder community to raise funds for just about any community group that needs it.
At its core, that’s what the Burra Town Hall represents; a community supported by individuals, whose individuality is supported in turn. And everywhere you look — decisions, decisions, decisions.