Fate sealed for historic South Burnett hall
The fate of a 124-year-old Burnett hall has been sealed after months of public consultation and a revelation about how much it would cost to restore it.
South Burnett
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The fate of a country hall in the South Burnett has been sealed after the council voted to demolish it following months of community consultation.
One councillor admitted it “wasn’t an easy decision” to demolish the 124-year-old Tingoora Hall, but with up to $800,000 needed to restore the building to working order, and more money needed for ongoing maintenance and insurance, saving it was financially impossible.
Councillor Kirstie Schumacher spoke about the hall’s significance.
“It was absolutely extraordinary that during times of war, and during times when community was really down and out … those few local members of our community took out a loan, established a committee and they built that hall.
“They built that hall so that they could come together.”
She said if she had “a spare million dollars” she would donate it to save the hall but conceded the council didn’t have the funds for such a costly renovation.
“I am still quite sad to see the hall to go to be honest … this wasn’t an easy decision.”
The council voted to demolish the old building and possibly recycle some of the material - the flooring will likely be donated to the Wooroolin Hall committee to replace the flooring in that hall.
The Tingoora Hall was built in 1900 and was reportedly the first public building in the township, used for many events, including school dances and weddings.
When it was first reported the hall could be demolished, some residents shared their fond memories.
Mal Crozier said she remembered the “great dances” she attended at Tingoora Hall about 60 years ago.
“I went to those dances to listen to Terry Livingstone play trumpet and elder brother play sax,” she said.
“Many of goodtime dances there in the 50s,” said local resident Valmai McIntyre.
No date has been announced as to when the hall will be demolished.
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