NAREEN HALL COMPLEX
Nareen Road NAREEN, Southern Grampians Shire
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Statement of Significance
The Nareen Hall Complex is located at the centre of the hamlet of Nareen, on the eastern side of the Nareen Road. The complex consists of the original stone hall, a weatherboard public hall, cream brick toilet block and a memorial to the Fraser family. The original hall is a simple stone building erected facing Nareen Road in 1870, and was used as a hall, school and church. It is constructed of random coursed stone, and the front facade is of dressed bluestone. The modern Public Hall was built about 1910, it is a rectangular timber building, with a corrugated iron roof, and a timber ashlar facade facing the road. A skillion porch has been added at a later date. The original weatherboards have been replaced by Hardiplanks, except in the area around the front door, under the verandah roof, where the ashlar remains. The later hall has undergone at least two unsympathetic additions at the rear, including a modern cement brick toilet block. In front of the Public Hall is a large volcanic stone bearing a bronze plaque dedicated to the Fraser family.
How is it significant?
The Nareen Hall Complex is of historical significance to the district of Nareen and the Southern Grampians Shire.
Why is it significant?
The Nareen Public Hall Complex is of historical significance as the principal public meeting place of the small community for 100 years and now as one of its few remnants. Culturally, the hall is significant to Nareen because, in the early 20th centuries it reflected the town's aspirations and was associated with the self-improvement of its citizens through debates, lectures and concerts. Socially, the hall provided a focus for community activities such as dances, shows and film nights. These traditional roles continued until relatively recently. Of further significance is the role which the original hall played in the community, of school, hall and stand in church. The site is of further historical interest as the building of a new, much larger Public Hall around the turn of the century reflected the growing population of Nareen, and the success of the smaller farms which had come into being after the 1860s Land Acts.
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NAREEN HALL COMPLEX - Physical Conditions
Both the stone hall and timber hall are in good condition. Both have suffered unsympathetic additions at later stages.
NAREEN HALL COMPLEX - Physical Description 1
The old Nareen hall was originally erected in 1870 as a simple rectangular stone building, with three windows on the north side, and a corrugated iron roof. The front facade is constructed of dressed bluestone, with a horizontal lintel over the timber door which faces the road. The remaining walls are of random coursed stone, with a plain chimney in the east wall. The north wall of the hall has been altered by the addition of a timber room which functioned for many years as a kitchen.
A photograph of Nareen township from about 1910 shows the later hall building was constructed as a simple rectangular timber building, with a corrugated iron roof, and a timber ashlar facade facing the road. A skillion porch has been added at a later date. The original weatherboards have been replaced by Hardiplanks, except in the area around the front door, under the verandah roof, where the ashlar remains. The later hall has undergone at least two unsympathetic additions at the rear, including a modern cement brick toilet block.
An early timber picket fence in front of both halls has been replaced with a modern post and wire fence, with steel gates.
A large volcanic stone placed near the front fence carries a bronze plaque dedicated to the Fraser family. "Malcolm and Tamie Fraser raised their four children and lived here at Nareen until January 1998. Rt Hon John Malcolm Fraser AC
CH PC was the Liberal Party member for the Wannon electorate from 1955 yo 1983 and Prime Minister of Australia from 11th November 1975 to 11th March 1983. A notable quote of his was:- "Life wasn't meant to be easy." ". my child; but take courage: it can be delightful." George Bernard Shaw. Erected by the people of the Nareen district."
The Nareen War Memorial is located on the roadside verge outside the 20th century hall.NAREEN HALL COMPLEX - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 6 Educating
6.1 Forming associations, libraries, and institutes for self-education
6.2 Establishing schools
6.5 Educating people in remote placesNAREEN HALL COMPLEX - Usage/Former Usage
Education
Meeting placeNAREEN HALL COMPLEX - Integrity
Highly intact
NAREEN HALL COMPLEX - Physical Description 2
Right Hon John Malcolm Fraser, Prime Minister of Australia 1975-1983
Heritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
Year: 2002
Grading:
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CUYUAC HOMESTEAD COMPLEXSouthern Grampians Shire
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WAR MEMORIALSouthern Grampians Shire
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KILMUIRSouthern Grampians Shire
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