Proud moment for councillors, Mayor Paul Antonio as Soldiers Memorial Hall plans lodged

The preservation of the Toowoomba Soldiers Memorial Hall has been on Cr Paul Antonio’s list of things to do for some time. Now with the support of councillors, the dream is on its way to becoming a reality.

3D renderings of the proposed exterior of the Toowoomba Soldiers Memorial Hall.

The lodgement of plans for the refurbishment of the Toowoomba Soldiers Memorial Hall last week was a proud moment for Mayor Paul Antonio and the rest of the councillors of Toowoomba Regional Council.

There have been a number of ideas and plans and setbacks over the years as the council, Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch, and other stakeholders grappled with the task of how to preserve the deteriorating heritage-listed building.

But coming into his final term of council, Cr Antonio wanted to ensure something could be done for the hall.

“It was one of the projects I wanted to get up and running. And I’m thankful for the support of my colleagues in getting this happening. They hold the same dream that I hold,” he said.

Cr Antonio said the critical part of the hall’s restoration was its origins.

“It was a community-funded project in memory of those who lost their lives (in World War I),” Cr Antonio said.

“It was well worth us giving it serious consideration.”

Council and the Federal Government have split the cost of the $4 million refurbishment 50/50.

The funding will refurbish only the front part of the hall, and not the dance hall out the back, though that will be made safe and compliant with current regulations.

“The RSL will be the head tenant and will occupy the space, and it will also have space available for community use,” Cr Antonio said.

“We’ve worked closely with the community reference group throughout the planning process and we’re pretty proud of the way we’ve kept all the stakeholders involved.”

Cr Antonio said he expected the design work, DA, and tender process to be completed this year, with construction expected to be completed in the 21/22 financial year.

You can read more about the plans for the building here.