Warialda Soldiers' Memorial Hall

About

The memorial is a large two-storey building, constructed of brick, with a cement-rendered front facade that faces Hope Street. The top of the facade features a stepped section in the centre, which rises above a gabled section. The gable frames an arched doorway, which leads to a small balcony. The balcony hangs over the main entrance door, which is framed by another curved arch and flanked by Doric columns. Initially, the front entrance had collapsible doors and these were later replaced by aluminium doors. The front also features several sets of mullion windows that have neatly proportioned outer moulds. The curved front door is typical of the Federation architectural period and the columns are typical of the Great Depression period. The whole facade is elegant, decorative, and well-maintained. Records indicate a Warialda Mechanics Institute movement existed by June 1881. On 11 May 1923, Mayor H.H. Allison held a public meeting to consider arrangements for a war memorial in Warialda. A major fire destroyed the School of Arts and hall on Wednesday, 10 August 1927. In September, a meeting of School of Arts members considered erecting a new building. On 8 October, a public meeting was held to launch the rebuilding of the school. It was also determined to combine it with a memorial hall. An appeal was launched, and within a year £5,100 pounds was raised. In April 1928, architect J.F. O'Connor called tenders for the work. At a well-attended meeting of the Warialda War Memorial Committee in June, five tenders were considered and the one from Nott Bros of Armidale for £7,903 was accepted (The Inverell Times, 20 June 1928). Details of the building's design were published in the Warialda Standard on 25 June and work commenced shortly after on 1 August. A large group witnessed Captain C.L.A. Abbott M.H.R. lay the hall's foundation stone on Saturday, 10 November 1928. The ceremony was reported in the Standard the following day. When describing the contents of Abbot's speech, the article said: [Abbott] also complimented the people of the district on the erection of what would be a very fine building. It would not only serve as a memorial to the fallen soldiers, but by reason of the memorial tablet and life membership conferred, would prove a service to those who had returned.  The hall was officially opened by the Governor of Australia, Lord Stonehaven, on 5 June 1929. A detailed report of the building and celebrations was published in the Standard on 10 June. On the day, the Warialda and District First World War Honor Roll was also dedicated. It remains in the foyer of the hall, alongside several other rolls for Warialda and district.  Commemorative services take place on site and access inside the hall is restricted to its opening hours.