King River Hall celebrates its milestone 125th birthday with singing, storytelling and cake

A beloved community venue dubbed the ‘Pink Hall’, celebrated a milestone birthday last Friday, with the committee members devoted to maintaining it hosting a celebratory bash.

The hallowed foyer of the 125-year-old King River Hall was alive with music and merriment last week, as its usual quarterly community dinner was replaced with a birthday party, complete with shanty music, cake and storytelling.

KRH committee president Kathy Suggate said all attendees had a “wonderful time”.

“There was lots of music and people telling stories about what the hall means to them, their memories of dances and various activities hosted here over the years,” she said.

“It really is a community space where everyone comes together and is always a hub of activity.”

Built in 1900 for the cost of £210, the hall was officially opened on November 28, the same year.

In the 125 years since its establishment, the hall has played host to many information sessions, dances, music nights, free classes, book clubs, drop-in groups, yoga classes and art exhibitions, as well as enjoying stints as the region’s school room and sporting clubroom.

The heritage-listed building underwent a renovation in 2005 with a kitchen, storeroom, and lobby added alongside a toilet block.

“Everyone knows it as the ‘Pink Hall’,” Ms Suggate said.

“There was a bit of a controversy when it got repainted, as some people wanted it to be forest green, but by then it had become the ‘Pink Hall’ and that’s what it was staying we decided.”

The committee will be making their Christmas pageant debut on Saturday, driving Lola the pink Cadillac in the parade and the hall will host Christmas Markets on Sunday, with money going towards the hall’s upkeep.

“She’s in very, very good condition,” Ms Suggate said.

“We’re always repairing or replacing things to take care of her.”