The beloved Malachi Gilmore Hall in Oberon has received state-wide recognition, being shortlisted in the Built Conservation category at the 2025 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards held on Friday 16 May.
While the top prize in the category went to the restoration of the Old Bega Hospital—a project that also took out the overall Judges’ Choice Award—the Malachi stood proudly among nine outstanding finalists representing the very best in heritage conservation across the state.
Originally built in 1937, the Malachi Gilmore Hall is a rare example of interwar Art Deco architecture in regional NSW. The Catholic bishop who commissioned it after a 1936 trip to Italy reportedly said he didn’t mind if it looked as futuristic as 1978. That forward-thinking spirit has endured in the building’s bold façade and unique form.
The hall quickly became a social heart of Oberon, hosting dances, screenings and community events. But by the 1980s, it had fallen into decline and then repurposed as a wool warehouse and craft store.
When Lucy and Johnny East purchased the hall in 2017, it was in a dire state. “The weatherboards were falling off, ivy had completely overtaken one side, and half the stage had been ripped out,” said Lucy. “But we were inspired by its madcap architecture—and by the idea that it could once again be a creative centre for Oberon.”
With support from local tradespeople, heritage experts and government grants, the couple brought the building back to life. The Malachi’s first event in 2019—The Malachi Revival—won a National Trust Heritage Award, and six years later, the journey continues.
“To be recognised again now is incredibly meaningful,” said Lucy. “We were total newbies to heritage conservation, but we’ve found this world to be full of kind, dedicated and passionate people.”
The Easts acknowledged the support of their friends, family, and the Oberon-based team from Maranatha Constructions led by Doug Booth, as well as heritage advisor Christo Aitken, architect Colin Janes, and Australian suppliers like Murobond Paints, Everdure Caltite, and Norglass Paints. Restoration funding came from Heritage NSW’s Caring for State Heritage program, and the venue’s fitout was supported by the Office of Responsible Gambling.
“We’d like to dedicate this recognition to the community spirit and bold creativity that’s always been part of the Malachi’s story,” Lucy added.
In a lovely twist of local connection, one of the lead architects on the winning Old Bega Hospital project was Lian Wong, a friend of the Easts from nearby O’Connell.
The awards also acknowledged the remarkable Dhuluny: 200 Years of Wiradyuri Resistance project, which won the Aboriginal Heritage Award. The week-long series of events, held in Bathurst in August 2024, marked 200 years since the declaration of martial law on Wiradyuri country, honouring resilience, survival, and cultural continuity.
The Malachi didn’t claim the top spot, but as Lucy reflected, ‘Being shortlisted is a meaningful acknowledgment of how far we’ve come.’
Photo- The National Trust (NSW) Heritage Award ceremony with (l to r) Johnny and Lucy East, Lian Wong and Georgea and Doug Booth. Photo supplied
