Residents of Yorkrakine - a small farming community in the Central Wheatbelt - have been gathering at their local hall for a century.
The Yorkrakine Agricultural Hall stands testament to the community spirit of rural WA, being lovingly maintained by locals, while other buildings in the small locality have fallen by the wayside.
Having been built in 1926, the hall will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.
Yorkrakine Agricultural Hall committee chairwoman, Libby Hutchinson, said the hall was the last remaining building in the Yorkrakine townsite, which used to have a school, a general store and a wheat bin.
These closed on the back of a declining population in the area and improved transport links.
Ms Hutchinson said the hall was one of the first buildings constructed in town and had been a hub for dances, community events and the annual Christmas tree celebration ever since.
The Christmas tree celebration is still held there, along with other community functions.
The Shire of Tammin supports the Yorkrakine Agricultural Hall by holding one of its council meetings there every year.
Yorkrakine was first settled in 1908 as part of a farm settlement scheme initiated by the Minister for Lands and Agriculture, James Mitchell.
The town, which now has about 117 residents according to the latest Census, has a rich history based on agriculture.
Early settlers from the 51 blocks released by the government, built the Yorkrakine Agricultural Hall using local stone and cement.
"It was important to the social fabric of the early settlement," Ms Hutchinson said.
"Later there came a shop, a telephone exchange and the school."
Ms Hutchinson said the hall had always been a central hub for sports such as tennis, hockey, football and cricket.
She said the West Yorkrakine Cricket Club was the town's only remaining sports team and played in the Wyalkatchem Cricket Association.
It is celebrating 100 years of cricket this year.
The Yorkrakine Agricultural Hall has undergone major works over the years, overseen by a small and dedicated hall committee.
Ms Hutchinson said there was a period of about 20 years where the hall was not used, and the committee was formed to revitalise the building about 30 years ago.
"Over the years, group members painted, undertook repairs and maintenance, put a new roof on and added a kitchen to the hall," she said.
The Shire of Tammin's support and local fundraising have enabled an upgrade to toilet facilities and to keep the hall in top condition.
With a grant from Rabobank's Community Hub Program, announced last month, the hall will now be given an outdoor section and barbecue area.
Ms Hutchinson said this would add to the hall's appeal as a meeting point.
"We are roughly 38 kilometres from Wyalkatchem, Kellerberrin and Tammin, and people from all these towns use the hall for socialising," she said.
Rabobank selected 12 rural community hubs across Australia to each receive $10,000 to upgrade their facilities.
Its new Community Hub Program was open to all local rural halls and community centres and attracted almost 300 submissions.
The program was developed by Rabobank after its client council network identified the vital role halls and community centres play in providing a suitable location for farming and rural communities to come together.
The funding will be used by recipients for work that improves the facilities of their nominated hall or community centre.
Rabobank Australia chief executive officer, Mark Wiessing, said it was terrific to see the program attract so many entries in its first year.
"We recognise the significant role that local halls and community centres play in rural communities and anticipated a high level of interest in the program," Mr Wiessing said.
"But we were surprised by the large number of entries.
"It really highlights how many rural Australian community hubs need a little extra support.
"The recipients will be using the funding for a broad range of upgrades, including installing reliable water supplies, replacing leaking roofs, structural repairs to buildings, repainting, fencing, upgrading kitchen facilities and installing child-safety equipment."
Mr Wiessing said these venues were vital gathering spots for farming communities, offering safe spaces for locals to gather - especially in remote areas.
He said they also provided refuge during emergencies and a venue for community education and learning.
"Many of the nominated halls and centres have been around for a long time, and it's clear that some of these buildings and sites have played a big role in the history of their local area," Mr Wiessing said.
"We hope this funding helps recipients make the most of their buildings, and we look forward to updates on their facility upgrades."
Bulyee Hall, near Corrigin, also received a $10,000 grant through the Rabobank initiative.