Strathbogie Tableland

The Strathbogie Memorial Hall was opened in 1955, after local volunteers, including returned soldiers, sailors and airmen, had built it in memory of those who volunteered to defend Australia in the Second World War and who did not return. The Federal government of the day met half the cost and the rest was raised by the community, mostly in-kind. This hall has been a major focal point for the commmunity since then, and is still treasured and used by Strathbogie Tableland residents of all ages.

Its walls, if they could talk, would tell the story of grand balls, community singing, country dances, school plays, variety concerts, 'coming out' nights for local debutantes, celebration of sporting premierships and  a now-legendary function to celebrate the connection of mains power to the Tableland in 19XX.

The Hall and its shaded grounds have proven to be the ideal setting for highly successful seasonal festivals, exhibitions and markets.

Facilities

The Hall was completely renovated in the early 2000s.  The main hall can seat up to 250 people and accommodate over 150 at tables for a meal. 

It has new gas space heating and an excellent sound system. 

The large refurbished kitchen can handle large catering demands and a gas barbecue augments the electric stoves, urn and microwave oven with its appropriate china, cutlery and cooking equipment. 

Next to the kitchen is a spacious supper room which has an excellent permanent exhibition of restored old photographs showing historically important images of life on the Tableland in earlier days.

The Main Hall

The local primary school children have enjoyed many happy hours practising gymnastics, singing, dance, drama and musical items for school concerts . They have also learnt how to make nutritious meals for themselves and others, helped by volunteer parents in the recently updated kitchen.

Locals of all ages - children, teenagers and adults - have  spent many energetic nights of inter-district competition badminton twice a week in this spacious hall.

Older people have found it to be an ideal venue for indoor bowls in the winter, not least because of its efficient heating system!    The local `Over Seventies' group meet here for a monthly luncheon organized by the Strathbogie Shire and local volunteers.  

Delicious meals and suppers can be served using the various sized and shaped tables and softly upholstered chairs in the main hall and/or the more intimate supper room . A gas barbecue augments the electric stoves, urn and microwave oven in the kitchen with its appropriate china, cutlery and cooking equipment. 

As well as social and community events, other functions such as auctions, trade fairs, car club functions, lectures, seminars, conferences, and forums such as Landcare and CFA community education meetings are held in the hall.

The Soldiers' Room

This room was once reserved for the local RSL but, as membership declined, funds were obtained to refurbish this space as a smaller community meeting room. It is now a comfortable heated and carpeted area with tea-making facilities.

The walls of this room permanently exhibit a collection of restored photographs of Strathbogie Tableland people who  fought in various wars, complementing the official Honour Board in the main hall where the names of all these people are recorded.

The Soldiers' Room is registered as an official Command Station for the use of the local, state and national Country Fire Authority groups and State Emergency Services in the event of major disasters or fires on or near the Tableland, and is equipped with phone, radio and computer facilities for this purpose.

This room is also used as a polling booth by voters on Australian, state or local election days.

Hiring the Hall

People from the tableland and wider community are most welcome to use this hall and its facilities.  Charges are modest. 

All bookings are to be made with Toni Down- Ph 5790 8543 or Strathbogie Primary School, Main Street,  Ph 5790 5250.