Celebrating the official opening of the refurbished Drill Hall

Published on 20 February 2021

The Mullumbimby Drill Hall has been serving the community for 105 years and recent renovations mean it will continue to be a creative hub for the community for many years to come.

The Drill Hall now has a new box office, an upgraded lighting system, access ramp, improved kitchen, storage shed and pottery shed thanks to $146,850 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

The refurbished Drill Hall, which was built as an army training facility in World War One, was officially opened today (20 February 2021) by the Hon. Ben Franklin, Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and the Arts.

Local Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the Drill Hall had been an integral part of the community for years and that the refurbishments are very welcome.

“For over a century, the Drill Hall has served many different purposes for the Mullumbimby community and beyond,” Mr Franklin said.

“It was wonderful that the MDCC were able to breathe new life into it during the 1970s and since then, it has served as an excellent theatre bringing entertainment to residents across the Northern Rivers.

“The NSW Government is committed to enhancing facilities and experiences in regional centres and I’m thrilled to that we’ve been able to support the Drill Hall in this way.” he said.

Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson, said the value of the Stronger Country Communities grant goes well beyond the monetary contribution.

“The Drill Hall has so much history in Mullumbimby, changing and reinventing along with our creative community,” Mayor Richardson said.

“While Council owns the Drill Hall, it’s managed by the Mullumbimby District Cultural Centre (MDCC) whose volunteers do a magnificent job fostering the arts.

“As a not-for-profit organisation it’s difficult for the MDCC to raise money for significant upgrades and capital works so this investment means they can continue to entertain audiences of all ages as well as provide facilities for pottery, drawing, dance and exercise,” Mayor Richardson said.

For more information about the Mullumbimby Drill Hall go to the MDCC website.

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 6626 7320.