Majesty of Narrogin hall reflects town’s growing role in WA

Majestic, historic and vital to town character — there’s a reason Narrogin Town Hall is embossed on the Shire’s logo. But while the hall is closely tied to the history of Narrogin, its story is also one that reflects Narrogin’s growing role in WA. From its beginnings, Narrogin was the main link between the Wheatbelt and Great Southern, so it was not long before authorities decided the town would need a hall worthy of this position. Built in 1908, the State Heritage-listed hall still sits on the corner of Federal and Fortune streets, reflecting Narrogin’s growing prominence at the time of its construction. And perhaps no project helped fuel Narrogin’s rise more than the Great Southern Railway Line. Construction on the railway began in the late 1880s, but new lines were added all the way to 1926, bringing new people to the already thriving hub and gateway. In 1907, an extension between Collie and Narrogin was added with a delegation arriving in Narrogin to mark the official opening. “At Narrogin the note was again enthusiasm — enthusiasm in respect to the new connecting line, to the Ministry that had completed it and to the future of the State controlled by that Ministry,” a report from The West Australian reads. The fact that the event was attended by the then premier and transport minister only added to the sense of excitement, which would be seen in the town hall itself, finished the following year. “The Town Hall reflects the growing confidence in Narrogin as a major town in the Great Southern region at the time of the building’s construction,” the State Heritage website reads. “(It was) one of a limited number of significant towns developing in the region at this time, in association with the railways.” But while moods were generally high, not everyone was happy with the hall in the years after its construction. Some considered it something of an eyesore and a “white elephant” according to Narrogin’s late historian, Maurie White. In coming years they would make sure this view was heard. Before the town hall’s construction, a travelling circus’ elephant named Gunne tragically died after consuming “some spilt fertiliser” after performing in Collie. “In despair, the circus attendants got the elephant to stumble out ... up through the town and to Dr Lewis’s house and surgery at 20 Williams Road,” Mr White writes. “The surprised doctor tried what he thought might help, but the huge animal expired. “(They) chopped it up and buried the pieces in a hole they’d dug at the bottom of the doctor’s orchard next to his house. “Three years later, in March 1909 ... in the dead of night on 31st March, some high-spirited daredevil’s crept into the doctor’s orchard. “The grimy white skull was struggled into position on the front steps and left for the town’s people and councillors to find the next day — an April Fool’s joke that proved the Town Hall really was a white elephant.” White elephant or not, the hall has stood the test of time, hosting Country Women’s Association fundraisers, debutante balls, dances and much more in the years following. Today, the hall continues to be a hub of activity for many in the town. From children to adults, actors, dancers and elected officials, it seems many continue to see the importance of the hall and want to preserve its place in Narrogin. “We love having access to the town hall to run our dance classes from ... It’s an amazing central location that’s well maintained,” Narrogin Dance Centre manager Tabitha Yuen said. The Perth Symphony Orchestra, Ten Sopranos, Djuki Mala and more have been brought to the Town Hall by Arts Narrogin in recent years. Arts Narrogin events co-ordinator Brad Flett said these performances brought the community together. “These performances at the town hall enable the community to engage with each other in a wonderful setting and experience shows on the big stage,” he said. “Bringing the technology into this century and beyond is a challenge, a challenge that is doable with the community’s ongoing support and commitment.” Shire of Narrogin president Leigh Ballard agreed, describing the town’s centrepiece as an “icon”. “It’s a majestic hall in the way it’s been built but it’s more the history that’s in it I suppose and what has been through it,” Mr Ballard said. “It’s a majestic hall inside, fantastic acoustics and it has stood the test of time. “The halls tend to die slowly if they stop getting used so as long as we can keep using it, it’s going to stay vitalised. “It’s got the airs and graces of a fantastic location. It’s not just going to any function centre, it’s the next level.”