Mallanganee Memorial Hall

About

The Mallanganee Memorial Hall is a single storey timber building. A timber awning is situated above the front entrance on top of which 'Memorial Hall' is written in large metal lettering. Inside, the hall features a large function space and a Soldiers Room, which is filled with military memorabilia. The history of the hall dates back to the 1920s. The original hall was a public hall, which was extended and renovated for the purposes of dedicating the whole building to returned soldiers who fell in the First World War. A gala night was held on 2 July 1920 to welcome home the returned soldiers from the district (Northern Star, 7 July 1920). The event was presided over by Mr J Ralston, Chairman of the committee, with 450 in attendance comprised of returned soldiers, their wives and relatives, and invited guests. The night featured a large banquet, delivered in four sittings due to the number of guests, with speeches and music and dancing until dawn. On the night, Lieutenant-Colonel M F Bruxner, MLA, officially named and opened the Soldiers Memorial Hall (Casino and Kyogle Courier and North Coast Advertiser, 7 July 1920).  Around 1935, the hall was in need of significant repair. A committee was formed to look into the building works and fundraise for the project (Northern Star, 3 June 1935).  At a later stage, it was decided to erect a new hall, which was dedicated as the Mallanganee Memorial Hall. Architects F J Board and Son from Lismore were engaged to design the new building. Tenders were first advertised in 1936, with further tenders for extensive remodelling and additions to the hall advertised to close on 14 May 1938 (Northern Star, 7 July 1936; 2 May 1938). The new memorial hall was completed in early November 1938, with the first social taking place on 5 November.  However, the official opening did not take place until the following year. The grand opening ceremony was a held on 19 May 1939 and was attended by 350 people from surrounding districts. Mr M F Bruxner, Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport, who had also opened the original hall in 1920, performed the honours (Northern Star, 2 November 1938; 20 April 1939; 20 May 1939). The hall remains a key meeting place in the town and is used for community activities and music events. Also on site are the Mallanganee Memorial Hall Great War Roll of Honour and the Mallanganee Memorial Hall 1939-1945 Honour Roll.

Photos