Town Hall Future Use
The Pingelly Town Hall forms part of the civic heart of the town. With the establishment of the Pingelly Recreation and Cultural Centre, former community uses of the Town Hall were transitioned to the new facility, allowing a renewed focus on preserving and activating the Town Hall for cultural, historical and community purposes.
In 2020, the Shire undertook community workshops to identify potential future uses for the Town Hall. The community identified three key uses that could operate together within the building:
- Community-based historical displays showcasing Pingelly’s diverse history through photographs, artefacts and audio-visual material, including rotating exhibitions such as the Higgins War Photos, selected historical records, Aboriginal culture and history, and agricultural heritage.
- A flexible central hall space supporting art and craft displays, workshops, pop-up markets, community stalls, tourism activity and local events.
- The incorporation of a Visitor Information and Tourism space within the Town Hall.
It was agreed that these uses could successfully co-exist, forming a multi-purpose community and cultural facility.
Town Hall Reference Group
Following the workshops, a Town Hall Reference Group (THRG) was established in October 2020 to guide the development of the project. The Group provided direction on future use, supported planning and design, identified funding opportunities, and contributed to the activation of the building.
The Town Hall Reference Group has since concluded its work and been formally wound up. Final works arising from the Group’s recommendations were completed, including accessibility upgrades, internal improvements, display installations, and building functionality enhancements.
Town Hall Usage Policy
A key outcome of the Reference Group process was the development of a Town Hall Usage Policy to guide the multi-use of the building.
The policy provides a clear framework for how each area of the Town Hall is to be used and managed, ensuring the space is shared appropriately, supporting community access, and reducing potential conflict between users.
The Town Hall Usage Policy was formally adopted by Council on the 20 March 2024, providing an approved governance framework that supports the ongoing activation and management of the facility in line with the original community vision developed through the 2020 consultation process.
Project Completion and Opening
The redevelopment of the Town Hall and the establishment of the Pingelly Museum and Historical Group displays were officially completed and celebrated at the Town Hall and Museum Grand Opening on 23 September 2023.
The opening, officiated by the Shire President William Mulroney ESM, was attended by approximately 50 community members, with more than 100 visitors attending across the opening weekend.
The redeveloped Town Hall now houses significant historical collections and displays created through the contributions of local donors, volunteers, the Pingelly Museum and Historical Group, and Shire staff. A key feature of the building is the Driver Reviver area in the front foyer, providing a welcoming space for visitors to pause, enjoy refreshments, and engage with the town’s history.
Acknowledgement
The Shire of Pingelly acknowledges the dedication of the Town Hall Committee, Town Hall Reference Group, Pingelly Museum and Historical Group, volunteers, donors, community members and staff who contributed to the restoration and activation of this important civic building.
The Town Hall now stands as both a heritage landmark and an active community space, preserving the history of Pingelly while supporting ongoing cultural and community use under an adopted Council policy framework.
