Back to search results »

Back to search page »

WANDO VALE MEMORIAL HALL & DAVIDSON PARK

Other Name Location 636 Casterton-Edenhope Road,WANDO VALE, Glenelg Shire Level Recommended for Heritage Overlay

[1/1] 52918 Wando Vale Memorial Hall

Statement of Significance

What is Significant?
The Wando Vale Memorial Hall and Davidson Park are located adjacent to the former Wando Vale State School on the Casterton-Edenhope Road, in the centre of the township laid out as Wando Vale. The complex consists of the original timber hall, dating from 1902, the 1954 Mount Gambier stone hall; a toilet block from the same period, also in Mount Gambier stone; the remains of a row of Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress) which date from the early 1900s; an oval, the football club changerooms/clubrooms (formerly the supper room) of corrugated iron; and some memorials, including a war memorial in front of the moderne hall. Wando Vale township was laid out as part of the Wando Vale Closer Settlement project, the first (and arguably the most successful) closer settlement sheme in Victoria. The hall was the first communal building constructed, in 1902, and served the community for over 50 years, until it was replaced by the new Soldiers Memorial hall in 1954. The new hall continued to serve the same function as the old, but allowed the growing community the extra space it needed for functions, dances and concerts. The hall and park have been used continually for over one hundred years as a community space. Overall, the site is in good condition, and retains a high degree of integrity.

How is it Significant?
The Wando Vale Memorial Hall and Davidson Park are of historical and social significance to Glenelg Shire.

Why is it significant?
The Wando Vale Memorial Hall and Davidson Park are of historical significance as the principal public meeting place of the township and wider area for over 100 years. Socially, the hall is significant as a representative of the strong community spirit which saw the construction of the original hall only one year after the closer settlment blocks in the area were allocated. The community of Wando Vale have used the hall and the park for social activities for over 100 years, and continue this important social use today. Socially, the hall provided a focus for community activities such as dances and film nights. These roles continue and the hall is still used for a range of activities.