Mt Russell Hall secured funding through the Australian Government's Drought Communities Program to install a new roof, upgrade electricity supply and refurbish the kitchen area.

All work was carried out by local tradespeople to inject some money into the small community and ensure the hall is usable for decades to come.

To celebrate works being completed, the committee was provided with additional funds to hold a social event.

The evening planned to relieve some of the pressures felt by farmers and farming-related businesses in these terrible drought conditions.

It was an attempt to get farmers and business people directly affected by the drought off their farms to enjoy a free social evening.

Organisers said Mel was the highlight of the evening, with many locals saying it was so good to have her on stage and back in her tiny home town.

Mel performed a wonderful show mesmerising the crowd with her beautiful voice and positive attitude.

The singer also told some personal stories through the evening of her journey since leaving Mt Russell.

Ninety four guests were brought together with lots of memorabilia on display which created a hum of chatter amongst the guests.

The hall was alive again and lots of old memories were relived and new memories created. Tablelands Catering dined and Mel entertained guests throughout the night.

Kids were ecstatic when Mel autographed their phone cases and shirts. At the conclusion of the night guests were able to take home the beautiful table decorations of fresh flower arrangements crafted by Thistle Flowers of Inverell.

This was another attempt to brighten up some homes with beautiful fresh flowers and hopefully keep them smiling for a little longer.

The committee thanked Inverell Shire Council for providing the historic Mt Russell Hall with the funding.