Wodonga Council last night unanimously voted in favour of selling the rundown building to the Scout Association of Australia for the token price.

The hall, built on land gifted in 1945 and opened in 1955 to honour returned servicemen, has fallen into disrepair in recent times.

The Baranduda Scouts have long been the only group to use it.

The sale had been met with some community opposition.

Some feared transferring the title out of the council’s name would diminish the hall’s memorial status, and stop the wider community from using the hall.

But Cr Anna Speedie said the sale was about “community spirit and inclusiveness”.

“It’s most impressive that a community group has taken steps to find a solution in their area for the whole community,” she said.

“This is about the community taking ownership, and community spirit.

“I think that is the essence of what a memorial hall is developed for.”

Under the terms of sale, the Scouts will be responsible for repairing and maintaining the hall, and they must manage it with a committee made up of community representatives, to ensure all people still have access to it.

Cr John Watson said the council had heard some emotional submissions during the public consultation process, but that the hall was “going to very good hands”.

“I believe the Scouts will treasure this asset,” he said.

Of the 23 submissions received, five were against the sale.

Baranduda Scouts group leader Erwin Bejsta, who was present at the meeting last night, said he was pleased but aware of the big job ahead.

Mr Bejsta said anyone who had made a submission to the council, either for or against, would be invited to be involved on the committee of management.

The Scouts are wasting no time in getting repairs under way.

Urgent works on the hall’s septic tanks will begin next week.

Mr Bejsta said community volunteers would be donating their time, labour and materials to the job.