Currabubula War Memorial Hall

About

The Currabubula War Memorial Hall is dedicated to members of the community who served in the First and Second World Wars. Various commemorative services are held on site throughout the year. The original country hall was opened on 3 May 1912 as a School of Arts. In 1923, a skillion supper room and kitchen were constructed on the northern side of the hall. The high brick facade and front porch were added to the original building as a war memorial during 1954-1955. The facade was completed under the supervision of hall committee member, W. (Bill) Donaldson. It includes distinctive Art Deco features in the lettering and design. Two marble honour roll tablets were also created and installed as part of the upgrade. They contain the names of those who served in both wars and the inscriptions were completed by A. Gibney and Son, Monumental Masons of West Tamworth. By January 1955 the new additions were substantially complete and the official opening of the war memorial took place on 22 May 1955. In 1982, Syd Ware published the book, Carrabobbila: A Book to Commemorate the Centenary of Currabubula Public School and Record the History of Currabubula District. The book includes the history of the hall. Interesting points include: The site was first dedicated for the erection of a Mechanics Institute on 20 December 1911. In March 1912, a public meeting was held and the School of Arts Committee was formed. They signed a contract with Edward Auld of Werris Creek to erect a hall. The hall measured 30 feet by 80 feet at a cost of 232 pounds 18 shillings and six pence. A ball was held on 3 May 1912 to mark the opening of the hall and raise funds in aid of construction. It was organised by William Smith, secretary of the hall committee (The Tamworth Daily Observer, 8 May 1912). The hall was proclaimed the Currabubula School of Arts Hall under the Theatres and Public Halls Act, 1908 (Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales, 22 May 1912). In 1928, the hall was lined. Electricity was connected on 28 May 1931 and in December 1933, adjoining Crown Land was added to the original block. The war memorial facade was the work of the local branch of the R.S.S. & A.I.L.A. and the School of Arts Committee, who combined resources on the project. They also resolved to change the name of the building from the School of Arts' to the Currabubula Memorial Hall.

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