Since its opening in 1922, the hall has been host to a wonderment of history, with dances, banquets, celebrations, fundraisers and community events all enriched in the walls of this quaint hall. With the modest contributions from World War I returned servicemen the hall became a foundation in the local community and continues to be today.

In 2007 the Garema Hall Trust was established by a group of local residents who wanted to see this beauty not only be looked after, but to bring back the people it once proudly hosted.

Since then the hall has continued to flourish thanks to the incredible community spirit and support of some very dedicated volunteers.

“We’ve had generations of people donate their time, effort, resources, raffles, their services, all to help see the hall come back to life, it’s all thanks to them,” spokesman for the Garema Hall, Butch Wooldridge said.

In addition to the volunteers’ efforts, the hall has also received a huge amount of support from Forbes Shire Council and former State Member Troy Grant. Both have provided much needed support for the hall with council providing building materials and community support and the Member for Dubbo playing a key part in seeing the hall receive vital funding for electrical works and new toilet blocks, which have now been completed. 

Most recently in 2013, the committee’s efforts were recognised when they won the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Cultural Heritage Award for their work in preserving the hall and maintaining their community.

Since then the hall has continued to host an array of social events bringing together the local community. Cricket days, markets, fundraisers and the Parkes Antique Motor Cycle club annual meet are just a sample of the variety that is offered. 

The most successful event to date was ‘Harmonies in the Hall’ in 2012 and 2013 which saw two local talents, Michelle and Karen Tisdell, return to their hometown to preform an evening of opera delights at the hall.

Considering the success of recent events it comes as no surprise that the committee is busy preparing for its next feature.

“We are going for something totally different this time”, Butch said. 

On September 26 the hall will be transformed under a glowing full moon for an evening of blues, folk and ballads.

Evening entertainment will be provided by the incredibly talented Phil and Trudy Edgeley, who have been performing on the blues circuit for many years (see separate story).

Tickets are on sale now for $70 which includes a locally catered two course meal while the evening entertainment takes place, with prizes for those dressed in their finest blues attire. 

“The hall has been a school, a church, a place where people went during the war effort, it’s been everything, we all feel so lucky with the support we continue to receive and can’t thank the community enough. We feel so privileged to be able to preserve this for future generations”.

Tickets for the event are available from Bron’s Hair Design in Templar St, Forbes or contact Butch on 0412-264-431 to secure yours now as numbers are limited.