Allora Community Hall upgraded after $400k facelift

Dozens of community members have been the first to see a newly renovated hall, which underwent a major $400,000 facelift. Here’s why it matters.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton (centre) and councillor Carla Pidgeon (left) with students from Allora State School. August 7, 2024. (Photo: SDRC)

Allora residents now have access to their beloved meeting place after the completion of $400,000 worth of renovations to the site.

Allora Community Hall was officially opened by the council on Thursday, with mayor Melissa Hamilton cutting the ribbon in front of dozens of stakeholders.

It is understood the upgrade was urgent, as the building had major stability and structural issues, particularly in its roof and walls as well as “significant work” in drainage.

Having been closed since 2021, the hall was considered ‘unusable’ with a 2023 damage report by council revealing “major deformations to the walls and roof” as well as leaks and small structural flaws.

Mayor Hamilton (Left) with councillor Carla Pidgeon and Windle at Allora Community Hall. August 7, 2024. (Photo: NRM)

In council minutes, Southern Downs Regional Council deemed the project a reputation-making issue for Allora locals, and that the “confidence of the community in council and its reputation could be damaged” if the project was not to go ahead.

Ms Hamilton said Allora locals were very happy to have their hall back, and the council had begun seeking funding from the Queensland government to continue works in Allora.

“I believe the next project now that the hall is open will be an expansion of the Allora Sports Museum, the Allora residents are a community that really uses those communal assets,” Ms Hamilton said.

“They’re very passionate about their town and making sure we continue to have facilities that are usable to them and that reflect what they want.

“I think everyone has a memory of this hall, from morning teas to blue light discos, that’s one of the lovely things about these halls … they go through the generations and each generation gets to build their own memories.”

Allora Community Hall is open for business. August 7, 2024. (Photo: NRM)

Allora local and Southern Downs councillor Carla Pidgeon was a strong advocate for the hall’s repairs and said the reopening was a celebrated return for the community.

“Community halls are essential in rural areas like Allora, serving as gathering places where people can connect, celebrate and support each other,” Ms Pidgeon said.

“The Allora Community Hall represents the town’s collective spirit and shared experiences, and the excitement for its reopening reflects how much it means to everyone here.”

Allora Community Hall is the first of two major council projects being opened this week, with Stanthorpe’s Art Gallery and Library precinct opening on Friday after more than a year of woes.