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Rochester R.S.L. Memorial Hall

Location

Mary Street ROCHESTER, Campaspe Shire

File Number

Original Hermes No: 42792

Level

[1/1]
42792 ROCH10

Statement of Significance

The Rochester R.S.L. Memorial Hall and War Memorials, corner Victoria and Mary Streets Rochester, is aesthetically significant on a LOCAL level (AHC criterion E1) as a good example of a cultural landscape developed over the past 87 years. It containins an early twentieth century Inter-war Arts and Crafts hall, and associated memorials such as flagpoles, Boer War Memorial, and the Wall of Remembrance established by the RSL in Rochester.

The Rochester R.S.L. Memorial Hall and War Memorials, corner Victoria and Mary Streets Rochester, is historically significant on a LOCAL level (AHC criteria A 4, H 1). It is of special importance for its long association over 87 years with the branch of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia which was formed in 1918 in Rochester with club rooms established in Mackay Street. Public conscriptions in 1918-19 raised £251 for the purpose of establishing a soldiers' memorial at Rochester. A decision to build a Memorial Hall was made in 1920. The Arts and Crafts style R.S.L. building was erected in 1922. A memorial to Sgt. Williamson who was killed in the Boer War, which had been erected at the corner of Gillies and Moore Streets in 1902, was moved to the front of the building and inscriptions added over the years. Interest in the sub branch was revived during World War Two and a red brick Memorial Wall dedicated to those who served during that war. The Community Welfare Committee established a garage and depot at the rear of the R.S.L. Hall for the St. John of God ambulance c1971.

The Rochester R.S.L. Memorial Hall and War Memorials, corner Victoria and Mary Streets Rochester is socially significant on a LOCAL level (AHC criteria G 1) as it is recognised by the community as having public value and is held in high esteem for its social associations with the whole community, but particularly the members of the R.S.L whose twentieth century history is interwoven with the history of the place. Members of the sub branch were actively involved in raising funds for the war effort and continue to help returned soldiers and their families in the area.

Overall, the Rochester R.S.L. Memorial Hall and War Memorials, corner Victoria and Mary Streets Rochester, is culturally significant at a LOCAL level.

Group