New Italy Community Hall Upgrades
The New Italy Community Hall, vital to New Italy Museum operations and to New Italy Museum Inc. (NIMI) administration, sustained internal flood damage to the building and its contents during the major weather event of 29/3/22. NIMI applied for funding from the NSW Government through Create NSW CLIRP Arts and Culture Priority Needs Program and was successful in that application. The project involved professional solutions in conservation, drainage and building renovation to recover and put in place some futureproofing. Not only has an enduring watertight facility been delivered, but the redevelopment of the internal spaces has also enabled a dedicated museum collection room, an office, a hall equipment storage room, an auditorium and a functioning stage. This flexible space is crucial to NIMI but also opens possibilities to surrounding communities and cultural events.
In the months after the storm event, NIMI commissioned building designer, Carl Cadonetti (Spot-On Drafting) to assess drainage and building issues. His report and drawings provided insights affirmed by conversations with conservator, Christine Ianna, aiming to make the Hall water-tight and to ensure better use of this facility for the museum. We engaged Jim Barnes, a widely respected local builder. The result includes external drainage and water capturing/storage solutions enabling the Hall to be in a better position to survive the fluctuations of extreme weather: severe storms, drought and bush fire. Advice on better storage of the collection from Christine Ianna, has made the Hall an important secure museum-fit facility. The building’s repair, renovation and reconfiguration of internal spaces have been completed by Jim Barnes with a team of local tradespeople (August 2023 – April 2024).
Photo by Peter Derrett
Photo by Peter Derrett
Stage – Approx. 7.9m x 2.9m
Covered outdoor area approx. 11.5m x 6m
The opening of the Community Function Hall was in 1996 and coincided with a performance of ‘Una Festa Di Nozze’ by the South Australia Theatre Company Piccolo Teatro. An interesting feature of the hall is the busts representing patrons at the Opera house in Milan that are situated above the changing rooms. These busts were acquired, along with the interior of the Italian Pavilion, from the Brisbane Expo in 1988.
Photo by Peter Derrett.
Facilities in the community hall include a small bar area and raised stage at the southern end of the building. The stage area is backed by glass windows designed to look over the Park of Peace. The hall is often used as a church when large numbers of Italians come together to remember and acknowledge the life of a particular community member.
The Community Hall is available for meetings, weddings, family reunions, receptions etc. This venue can accommodate up to 300 people. Catering can also be arranged to suit your needs with competitive rates.