Joint media release with the Hon Tara Moriarty MLC
In the 12 months since the $9 million "Bellingen Memorial Hall to hub project" was completed, the community arts centre has hosted acts ranging from comedy to film festivals and children's shows.
The historic hall features classic architecture of the 1920s and has been the cornerstone of Bellingen culture since its opening in 1929, hosting balls, public meetings, movies, auctions, plays and school events.
Since 2018, the hall has undergone a dramatic overhaul which saw the main hall revitalised with a new flexible seating configuration, the installation of modern audio visual equipment and the development of a new contemporary space 'Studio BMH'.
This allows the hall to host a wider variety of events, such as concerts and large theatre shows or musicals as well as more intimate plays, meetings, conferences and workshops.
Upgrades including a new deck and verandah, air conditioning, portable stairs for the stage and new showers and toilet facilities were made possible with $1.6 million provided by the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. The works are jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
In all, the Bellingen Memorial Hall to Hub project has benefited from more than $5.8 million provided by the Australian and NSW Governments under a range of programs with additional funding contributed by Bellingen Shire Council.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister
"Whether it's a concert or a conference, the upgraded Bellingen Memorial Hall will mean people can enjoy new facilities to come together as community for a wide variety of events.
"Bushfire recovery takes time, and we want to support communities every step of the way.
"With new spaces and features like portable stairs and bathroom facilities, the upgraded Hall will help attract more local visitors, support business recovery and bring people together."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty
"The Bellingen Memorial Hall upgrade is an example of the NSW Government's commitment to building stronger, more resilient regional economies.
"It's great to see the success this project has delivered in enriching the lives of people in and surrounding Bellingen, contributing to the thriving cultural community of the Mid North Coast.
"The NSW Government is supporting the long-term development of regional communities, ensuring they have the infrastructure and services they need to grow and thrive.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Steve Allan of Bellingen Shire Council
"The Bellingen Memorial Hall is the heartbeat of our Shire, serving as a cherished space for our community and the recent upgrades have significantly enhanced the hall's versatility and capabilities, attracting larger and more diverse acts.
"This venue stands unmatched in the area, hosting everything from local and international performances to weekly community classes, forums, and film screenings."
"The arts remain a vital part of our community, and the improvements to the hall embody this shared value."
