Page 16 - CR31R.pdf

101. Rushworth Shire Hall by Gerry Kennedy

Rushworth, in Central Victoria, is 160 kms north of Melbourne and is generally located between the major cities of
Shepparton and Bendigo. Tt is small town of 1000 people and is a survivor from the gold mining days.

The local Shire Hall, situated in High Street at the corner of Horne Street, was opened on 5 March 1969. It is a
substantial red brick building with classic design elements featured over the front entrance and to the front gable end of
the roof. Wrought iron lace work and pillars are featured on the side verandah.

The one level auditorium has a stage featuring a large rectangular shaped proscenium decorated with pressed metal
columns and panels. The thrust stage is bow fronted with a master of ceremony's podium built on the right hand side.

The projection room is cheaply built affair. The original foyer was partitioned off leaving a naJTOW passageway from
the left-hand entrance to the auditorium. A small booth was built above the passageway, partly in the roof space and
partly in the former foyer. The balance of the old foyer was taken up with rewind equipment and storage space.

The hall was modernised in 1977 and a modern kitchen and new toilet facilities were constructed. Acoustic tiles were
installed above dado height around the side and back walls, which covered the projection booth portholes.

- 16-