A Memorial Soldier Returns

Work has commenced to bring back a familiar soldier to his rightful place in the Bellingen Memorial Hall.

The famous ‘Soldier’s Window’ will soon be returned to its original place having being lovingly restored by local Mid North Coast glass expert, Christine Stewart, as part of refurbishment works funded by the NSW Government’s Heritage Activation Fund.

Works commenced on 5 April to repair severe water damage to the upstairs area of the Memorial Hall, which rendered the space unusable. Works to this versatile space, previously used for the management of major community events and festivals, will refurbish not just the carpets, walls, kitchen and lighting but will also bring back the historical features that make our Hall so iconic.

Interpretative signage is also being developed and will outline the beautiful history of the Hall and its many affirmations.

These works, which we expect will be completed by the end of May, are the first step in the more extensive transformation already in the planning after an additional $3.3 million grant from Create NSW’s Regional Culture Fund. In August 2018 Council received $92,243 in funding from the Heritage Near Me Activation Grants to renovate the upstairs area and reinstall the registered War Memorial Soldiers Window in its original location and in October 2018 received $335,151 for refurbishments to the Memorial Hall to stabilise the physical structure of the building and painting it inside and out.

We expect the full redevelopment, including a new extension at the rear of the Hall, to be completed by the end of 2021.

For more information, contact Council’s Manager Community Wellbeing on 6655 7300.