Community & Business
15 August, 2024
Allora Hall reopens... with hopeful local management
Allora Community Hall reopens
The Allora Community Hall was officially reopened on August 8 after more than two years of community advocacy for its refurbishment.
Constructed in 1951, the hall is the largest event space in Allora, previously hosting Bingo and movie nights, dinners, dances and high teas.
The reopening followed $400k in roof repairs by Southern Downs Regional Council.
President of Allora Community Circle, Krissy Henry welcomed guests of the opening, saying, “It’s a great thing for our community … there’s no other place in town that can hold this many people.”
The hall is currently managed by council but Ms Henry said she would like to see management taken over by the Allora community.
“Being managed by a community group you can get infrastructure grants and things like that which Council is not eligible to apply for,” she told our newspaper.
Grants from state and federal government, or nearby renewable energy companies, could allow for further upgrades like a commercial kitchen or new sound system to be installed, Ms Henry further said.
President of the Allora Regional Sports Museum, Perry Cronan ran Bingo in the hall for 25 years and had been lobbying for its reopening, saying, “It’s a vital part of the Allora community ... (and) we’ve got functions backed up that we will start rolling."
Southern Downs Regional Mayor, Melissa Hamilton, as well as council's Deputy Mayor, Sheryl Windle, and Councillor Carla Pidgeon attended the opening event.
“It’s pretty exciting," Mayor Hamilton said. "The Allora community has been really patient and they are so delighted to have their hall back. For people to come together, you need those places where people can mix … it’s really unifying.”
“In any small community, this is a hub, so whatever gathering they want to have, this is where they will have it,” Cr Windle said.
Cr Carla Pidgeon said the hall “represents the town’s collective spirit and shared experiences, and the excitement for its reopening reflects how much it means to everyone here".
