Tocumwal War Memorial Hall

The Tocumwal War Memorial Hall Committee of Management was awarded a Community War Memorials Fund (CWMF) grant in 2023 to support the conservation of the Tocumwal War Memorial Hall. The hall has a stately red-brick façade on the south side facing Deniliquin Street, which features unique concrete decorations and two tile mosaic honour rolls in memory of those who served in the First World War.

 

First raised as a potential project in 1919, the community sought to erect “a memorial at Tocumwal in keeping with the deeds and sacrifices of the district's noble band of heroes.” While an obelisk was also discussed, a plan for “a hall capable of accommodating 600 or 700 people, a public reading room, soldiers' club room, billiard room; and a supper room” was seen as a fitting tribute (Tocumwal Guardian and Riverina Stock Journal, 17 April 1919). The plan took shape over several years, and the hall was built around 1927. 

 

For almost 100 years the hall has been an integral community space. Ms Margaret Close, Secretary of the hall’s committee, told the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA) that the “hall stands as a historic venue in Tocumwal, serving as a key site for community gatherings, cultural events, and social activities.”

This special building has been well maintained over its long life, with previous works including cleaning and repointing the brickwork, installing new signage, and restoring the windows. However, time has taken its toll on the front façade and the committee applied to the CWMF for funding to undertake painting of the exterior timber fittings and decorative statues and motifs. The committee’s proposal was informed by heritage advice prepared by NGH Environmental that was funded by a previous CWMF grant in 2017. NGH recommended that any new paint scheme match the existing colours of the hall to preserve its historic character and values, and the committee fully supported this approach.

The committee engaged local company CJ Painters to undertake the painting at the front of the hall, including preparing the timber surfaces and professionally applying the chosen heritage cream paint colour. During the project it became necessary to replace the timber slats on the verandas attached to the hall, which had deteriorated and could not be repaired. The committee called upon Tormore Construction for this part of the work to ensure this key element of the front entrance was appropriately reconstructed. The verandas now suitably complement the front doorway and building façade.

The project was completed around April 2024 and the committee are pleased with the results. Ms Close shared her appreciation, saying, “Thanks to the generous Community War Memorials Fund grant received, we've completed a major refurbishment of our locally listed façade, carried out by conservation specialists and skilled tradespeople. This significant upgrade has enhanced the hall's appearance and also reaffirmed our community's commitment to preserving this vital landmark. The revitalised hall now boasts a striking street presence, reflecting the collective efforts of our many contributors. The positive and complimentary feedback from the public is a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

The Community War Memorials Fund provides grants of up to $10,000 to support the repair, protection, and conservation of community war memorials across the state, including specialist heritage advice and physical work.

For more information and to apply, click here.

 

Project photos

Photos courtesy of the Tocumwal War Memorial Hall Committee of Management.