From rubble to renovation: Saving the Gordonvale RSL Sub Branch Hall

For many small towns, the main hall is the beating heart of the community: a place where locals can connect, celebrate and find comfort. These buildings are normally deeply ingrained within the community and bear witness to some of the most significant milestones in a town’s history. In the Far North Queensland township of Gordonvale, this sentiment is no different. 

In Gordonvale, the local RSL Sub Branch calls the main hall home. Gordonvale RSL Sub Branch Secretary and Treasurer Peta Ison says the history of the hall dates back to 1934, when it was first built as a theatre before the RSL purchased it in 1952. 

“It was originally built as the Lyric Theatre – a performing arts theatre,” Peta says.  

“It has since been used for several events including weddings, receptions, funerals, wakes, debutant balls, graduations, parties… It was even the staging area for the US Army’s 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II (WWII). 

“After WWII the RSL purchased the hall for veterans and their families, but it is still very much a community hall; it’s very close to the community’s heart.” 

The hall was a popular venue for weddings and parties before it fell into disrepair 

Around 10 years ago, however, the building had fallen into disrepair. 

“The building was assessed and marked for demolition. But the community and the Sub Branch decided no,” Peta recalls.  

“The hall has a long history with the Sub Branch and houses a lot of military and veteran memorabilia and artefacts. It’s very close to a lot of our Sub Branch members and has been an integral part of their life.” 

Together, the community and the Sub Branch decided to form a petition and express their commitment that the hall would be fixed. Fortunately, the demolition order was subsequently removed.

“The community have put their funds and sweat into helping rebuild the hall since the order was removed. If it wasn’t for the community, the hall wouldn’t be here.” 

It takes a village 

Over the years, Sub Branch and community members have contributed to fixing up the hall through working bees and fundraising initiatives.  

“About 80% of the labour is Sub Branch members,” Peta says.  

“There’s a group of about 12 to 15 members who come down almost every Saturday morning and help with the renovation. At the moment, they’re finishing fibro sheeting of the internal walls, but recently they helped with installing the fire doors.

“It’s a very strong and robust building committee.”

Citizens’ Auxiliary President Judy Hunter and Gordonvale RSL Sub Branch Secretary and Treasurer Peta Ison

In terms of fundraising, Gordonvale RSL Sub Branch works closely with its Citizens’ Auxiliary, which runs most of the fundraising initiatives including sausage sizzles, monthly garage sales at the markets, and raffles during social nights. 

Citizens’ Auxiliary President Judy Hunter says supporting veterans in the community has always been important to her.

“While I did not serve, I have a strong connection to the military with my grandfather having served in Gallipoli, uncles having served in WWII and my daughter now serving in the Navy,” Judy says.

“So, I’ve always thought it was very important to support our veterans, especially when they come home and may not be in a good way.

“That’s why I’m really invested in helping support Gordonvale RSL Sub Branch and doing what I can to fix this hall; it means so much to me and the community.

The Gordonvale cenotaph

“I used to go to the cent sales and fashion parades here back in the day, and the ANZAC Day services of course. So, seeing the renovations completed will be marvellous.”

Peta says the Sub Branch also received funding from RSL Queensland’s Sub Branch Support Grant Trial and from the Queensland Government’s Queensland Remembers Grants Program for major capital works.

“The funding from these grants were instrumental for us to ensure the hall become a viable building again,” Peta says. “The funding from RSL Queensland’s grant trial helped us make the hall fire compliant, and the funding from the Queensland Government helped us with a full upgrade of the building’s electrical system.”

A space for connection

With the hall now only months away from completion, Judy says they’re already getting inquiries from local sporting groups about using the space for classes or events.

“We’ve had the archery club hold some meetings here, the jujitsu group wanting to come in and practise here, dance companies wanting to host dances here… We’ve received lots of community interest already!” she says. 

“After COVID, the community also got a bit disconnected, so having this hall back will be a really great way to get the community back together and participating in events.”

Renovations on the hall are almost complete

In addition to local sporting group events, Peta says the Sub Branch is planning to host other opportunities for veterans and the community to connect.

“We would love to hold veteran-specific events during Veterans’ Health Week, for example, but also some competitions for members and the community. We used to hold dart and pool competitions here, which were quite famous,” she says. 

The income from these events will support the Sub Branch in delivering wellbeing and other support services to veterans within the community.  

Peta says the camaraderie within the community has helped the Sub Branch thrive.  

“One thing I’ve found with Gordonvale is that we have a very strong auxiliary membership. And while they’re not veterans, they’ve been around and involved for so long that they understand us and are always willing to support us,” she says proudly. 

“We’ve also had an increase in service members recently, as we have a large veteran community here in Gordonvale and our President has been encouraging younger veterans to join the Sub Branch. They’ve not only come on board, but are now also heavily involved in commemoration planning. 

“It’s great to have them continue our legacy.” 

Want to help your community? 

RSL Sub Branches and Auxiliaries offer a number of ways to connect with and make a difference in your community.  

Learn more about volunteering.