Smart investment delivered, Bellingen Hall’s big boost.

The Bellingen Memorial Hall is a major community asset, an integral part of the town’s culture, and today I announced a staggering $3.3 Million to address a backlog of issues and enshrine the magnificent building within the contemporary world.

First established as a memorial to returned soldiers of The Great War, the Hall features classic ‘20s architecture and began its life as a picture theatre.

Today, the Hall’s exterior reflects the Hollywood glamour of that era, but what this huge injection of funds will do is bring it into the 21st Century.

The scope and creative vision of the architectural works is visionary. Amongst other improvements, the Hall’s seating will be increased providing better vision; toilet facilities will become more accessible and with a greater cubicle number; the downstairs supper room and kitchen will be expanded into a two-storey wing the performance space for orchestras and dance groups will be greatly enhanced; and a small performance space will be built.

The Hall,
which is used for everything from public meetings to weekly classes, plays, gigs, movies, auctions, school events, touring acts, coupled with local festivals, has given Bellingen a nationally recognised reputation as a cultural hub, despite it being a small country town.

Today’s announcement, with the renovation consistent with the heritage status of the building, represents an enormous investment, not just in the Hall, but for all the locals and tourists who continue to be part of this fantastic cultural place.

I’d like to acknowledge the support of Bellingen Shire Council and the many other community members who contributed to the textbook grant application. I’d also like to thank and recongise the hall committee which looks after the Hall on a day-to-day basis.

This is truly exciting for the entire Bellingen Shire community and I am very excited to help bring this project to fruition.

Kind regards,

The Hon. Melinda Pavey MP

Member for Oxley