Yarrawonga Town Hall is open for public events and performances after being closed four years ago due to structural concerns. Pictured is chair administrator, Dr Graeme Emonson preparing for the December council meeting which was held in the hall last week to commemorate the significant milestone.
After four years, the Yarrawonga Town Hall has reopened for public use, paving the way for community events and performances.
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Since 1931, the grand Shire Hall has been a popular venue hosting major events, theatre performances, film screenings and dances but was closed to the public in 2021 due to structural concerns and the need for significant upgrades.
The reopening is part of Moira Shire Council’s broad plan to refurbish and modernise the historic hall, including accessibility and safety improvements, while preserving its historical integrity.
In 2022, the hall was confirmed to be on the Victorian Heritage Register.
The opening of the Yarrawonga Shire Hall in 1931 attracted a huge crowd.
Moira Shire Council chair administrator, Dr Graeme Emonson said the reopening would be a welcome outcome for the community.
“This is a much-loved community space, and we know there are many groups and organisations who will be thrilled the space is once again available for events, music, theatre and more,” Dr Emonson said.
“The Shire Hall is an iconic part of Yarrawonga’s cultural heritage and has hosted thousands of performances over the past 95 years.
“We look forward to seeing the space come to life with performances and events once again, bringing people back together in this beautiful, historic building.”
In the interim, the hall will be available for events and performances with a capacity of 150 people with planning continuing for its long-term future and assessments underway for its refurbishment.
Council has been working closely on the future of the hall alongside the Future Use Advisory Group, which has helped to inform the scope and plans for Stage 2 of the Yarrawonga Library, Events and Performance Precinct.
The hall has hosted thousands of events in its almost 100 year history including this one in 1939.
Several members of the advisory group attended last week’s December council meeting, which was held in the hall to mark the significant milestone.
During public question time, member Helen White raised the issue of catering saying it was one of the important issues discussed between the community and the council.
“It appears that most equipment for food preparation and service, such as crockery, cutlery, serving tools, refrigeration, cooking items and even correct height bench spaces are no longer available for users,” she said.
“They were disposed of after the demolition of the large kitchen and adjoining community hall.”
Mrs White asked CEO Matthew Morgan if the situation would be rectified as being able to offer refreshments was very important to attract gatherings to the hall.
She said the small kitchen in the new exhibition area was inadequate for the scale required.
A new beginning as Moira Shire Council holds its December meeting in the hall to mark the reopening.
Mr Morgan told the meeting there were no immediate plans to include catering facilities and equipment, but the situation may be reconsidered in the future.
The Shire Hall will also continue to operate as a Council customer service centre on Mondays to Fridays.
Bookings for the Shire Hall can be made by calling Council’s Customer Experience team on (03) 5871 9222, or by completing the form on Council’s website.
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