Kyogle Memorial Institute

About

The Kyogle Memorial Institute is a two storey timber building, with a galvanised iron roof that has small gables set within the roofline. The front verandah has simply designed timber features and timber supports. Inside, there is a main hall with seating for 400 people and a banquet room with seating for up to 80 people. The building was constructed in 1931–1932, as a memorial to those who died in the First World War. It also served as a replacement for the School of Arts building, which was destroyed by fire in 1931. The concept of a 'memorial institute' was the result of combining a new Soldiers' Memorial Club with the former School of Arts. The institute was designed by Colonel F. J. Board of Lismore and built by H. W. Stevenson of Newcastle. It was officially opened on 27 April 1932 by Shire President Councillor R. J. Moore. A detailed report of the event was published in the Northern Star the next day. During the proceedings, Miss A. Amess unveiled a marble tablet attached to the front facade, inscribed with the dedication to the fallen. During her speech she said, "nothing can be too good for the men who died in fighting for our nation and who gave us Anzac." A second tablet was unveiled by Mrs R. E. Alcorn, president of the Kyogle branch of the Country Women's Association. A special room within the institute had been set aside for their use. The inscription on this tablet acknowledged the role of women in establishing the institute and other public works.  Later that week, a comprehensive history of the project and physical description of the hall and its facilities was published in the Kyogle Examiner on 29 April. The article also included several photographs of the crowd and the exterior and interior of this "enduring memorial". The report described the mood of the occasion as follows:  The opening festivities were characterised by an enthusiasm which is a measure of the appreciation engendered by the provision of such a fine building. A feature of the opening was the attendance of so many country residents who share with the townspeople a natural pride in the new institution, the future of which seems to be so well assured. From the street, the overall structure appears to have changed little when compared to the photos from 1932. However, in 2017, the institute received major funding for upgrades. The two tablets are still on site and are visible on the Summerland Way side of the building.