About 120 people turned out to the event which looked back on the past 150 years of history while also looking forward to a future where Purnim may soon be declared a township.

An Aboriginal smoking ceremony was held at the hall and coincided with National Reconciliation week.

The event also acknowledged the historical connection between Purnim and the nearby Framlingham Aboriginal Reserve, and councillor Jordan Lockett spoke about why Aboriginal communities should be recognised across the shire. 

“There were a few tears in the room actually,” co-organiser Geoff Rollinson said.

Historical photos were also on display at the hall and Purnim identity Ray Eccles gave a talk about how the area has changed.

Mr Eccles moved to Purnim in 1947 as a 14 year old, and said Sunday’s event was reminiscent of what it was like back when dances were held in the hall once a month.

“It reminds you of what it used to be like. If there was a function on, everybody attended,” he said.

“When I came here it was a series of small farms and the population was much better than it is today.”

Mr Eccles and his wife raised eight children on his Purnim dairy farm and when asked if he would ever leave Purnim, he said: “I think I’d take a bit of dragging out”.

Mr Rollinson said Purnim’s heyday would be have been in the 1950s and 60s when it had a number of schools, two stores and a pub.

“While those services, as in schools and stores, have disappeared, the irony is that the population of Purnim is actually growing,” he said.

He said Purnim had a population of 60, with a few hundred more in the surrounding area.

A booklet and DVD about the region’s history is expected to be published next year.

“We are hoping that will coincide with the announcement of Purnim as a township, because it’s not actually a town strangely enough,” Mr Rollinson said.