A Cultural Treasure Reborn
For nearly ninety years, the Malachi Gilmore Hall has stood as a cultural and architectural gem in the heart of Oberon.
Originally built in 1937 by the local Catholic parish, the hall quickly became a hub for community gatherings, dances, and bi-weekly movie screenings. As home entertainment gained popularity in the late 1970s, the Malachi took on a new role as a wool sorting and storage warehouse, while the community enterprise, the Cobweb Craft Shop, occupied the foyer for nearly four decades. Thanks to a dedicated restoration effort by its new owners, this historic landmark is now experiencing a remarkable revival.
A Labour of Love
The Malachi Gilmore Hall is renowned for its striking Art Deco and Interwar modernist architectural styles, making it one of the most unique buildings in regional New South Wales. The restoration project, spearheaded by owners Lucy and Johnny East with the expertise of local tradespeople, heritage enthusiasts and plenty of friendly working bees, has been a true labour of love. The works have been supported by NSW Caring for State Heritage grants and community fundraising. Extensive work has been undertaken to preserve the hall’s original design while modernising it for contemporary use. From restoring the elegant façade to repairing the intricately designed interiors, every effort has been made to honour the building’s historical significance.
One of the key challenges was preserving the authenticity of the hall’s original materials and craftsmanship. Like many cinemas of that era, the Malachi was constructed from formed concrete, shaping its distinctive façade and bio-room. All eleven flat roofs required re-screeding and waterproofing, which in turn led to the façade being repainted.
The Easts had gathered extensive details about the hall’s construction, including the original building specifications, architectural plans, and watercolour drawings. “Originally, the façade was unpainted greyish-green concrete, giving it a quite austere presence in the centre of Oberon,” says owner Lucy East. “In the mid-1980s, a decision was made to paint the exterior in shades of apricot and pink, brightening up the streetscape. However, sealing one side of the concrete with paint had unintended consequences, negatively affecting moisture levels within the concrete roofs.”
Under heritage advice, East commissioned new paintwork that was specially formulated by Sydney-based paint company Murobond, known for its work on the NSW Conservatorium of Music, Hyde Park Barracks, and the Mint on Macquarie Street. The chosen custom ivory colour, with bronze details on the windows, pays homage to the Italian architect’s first vision of a unified colour scheme, highlighting the extraordinary shapes and shadows created by the building’s design.
A New Chapter for Oberon’s Cultural Scene
The Malachi Gilmore Hall will host the first Oberon Shakespeare Festival (13-15 March, 2025) are found at the Malachi Gilmore Hall website. The restoration of the Malachi Gilmore Hall marks a bright future for arts and culture in Oberon.
Photos supplied. Credit Johnny East
