Action and upgrades at Augusta’s Centennial Hall

The volunteer committee behind Augusta’s Centennial Hall were thrilled this week to reveal a generous Lotterywest grant and that the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River is helping to breathe fresh life into the beloved gathering place.

Committee chair Judith Wilton told the Times a $15,000 contribution from Lotterywest paid to fit out the hall with a new, upgraded sound system.

Meanwhile, the committee also wanted to reassure residents the work going on around the hall was part of the Shire’s contribution to the community-run venue.

“Changes are also taking place in the gardens and surrounds of the hall,” Ms Wilton said.

“The Shire is now assuming responsibility for care and maintenance of hall surrounds, undertaking a major upgrade of the gardens and parking facilities.

“This will improve the overall aesthetics of the hall and improve the safety and accessibility of the carpark.”

Ms Wilton said many newer residents didn’t know Centennial Hall, which opened in 1992, was the result of a dedicated fundraising campaign by the Augusta community and generally operated independently of the Augusta-Margaret River Shire.

It replaced a defunct structure on the site, with a “farewell demolition ball” celebration held once the funds were raised to replace it back in the early 1990s.

“It was designed in keeping with the community need of a performance/event venue along with facilities for community groups to meet,” Ms Wilton said.

“Many local tradespeople and volunteers assisted in the demolition of the old hall, work site preparation, and restoration of surrounds following completion of the new hall.”

Ms Wilton said the new sound equipment would help with future events.

It was hoped adequate equipment would allow Centennial Hall to stage events for Arts Margaret River.