Community advocacy has helped secure plans to honour Lismore’s historic Drill Hall, ensuring its significance is recognised despite the flood-damaged building being earmarked for demolition.
The proposed memorial at the TAFE Lismore campus will celebrate the building’s role in local history, including its connection to about 3,500 men who enlisted for the First World War.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the project followed calls from residents and community organisations, including the Lismore RSL Sub-Branch and Richmond River Historical Society, to protect the landmark’s legacy.
“The building suffered major irreparable flood damage in 2022, and it was on the list for demolition. It was a little-known historical gem sitting on the TAFE Lismore Campus site,” Saffin said.
“Following representations from the local community, including the Lismore RSL Sub-Branch and the Richmond River Historical Society, I called for a stay of demolition so all options for the building’s future could be properly considered.
“There were a number of proposals, including retaining the building on site or relocating and repurposing it and memorialising it, and I wanted those possibilities fully explored with community involvement.”
A temporary halt to demolition allowed the community’s proposals to be investigated, with NSW Minister for TAFE Steve Whan supporting the process.
“Minister for TAFE Steve Whan agreed with me that a stay was in order and TAFE facilitated this, while those investigations were undertaken. Extensive work has since been carried out to assess the available options.” said Saffin.
“Last week, Minister Whan chaired a meeting at TAFE attended by representatives of the Lismore RSL Sub-Branch, the Richmond River Historical Society and Lismore City Council to discuss the building’s future,”
Investigations found the building could not be restored to a usable condition without extensive work, while relocation costs were estimated at more than $5 million.
“The investigations found that, because of the extent of the damage, retaining the building on site would require it to be stabilised and sealed, but it would remain unsuitable for use.
“Relocating the building was also found to be prohibitively expensive, with costs estimated at more than $5 million.
“The preferred option, agreed to by those attending the meeting, is to remove the building and replace it with an installation that commemorates the history of the Drill Hall and its place in local history.”
The proposed installation could provide residents, school groups and visitors with an opportunity to learn about Lismore’s military past and the generations of local families connected to the site.
Saffin said the memorial could also become part of a broader community and cultural precinct, linking nearby attractions including the library, art gallery, conservatorium and Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA).
“It would be wonderful to see an interactive display on the site telling the story of the Drill Hall, where about 3500 men enlisted for the First World War.
“It is ideally situated in an area that houses TAFE and the Library, NORPA, the Art Gallery and the Conservatorium or the QUAD so lends itself to a special precinct.
“With work now underway on how to reimagine our buyback landscape in this area, and Council’s walk of fame plans, this can become a special precinct to visit, to work and play in, and just be in.”
The project will bring together TAFE, Lismore City Council, the Richmond River Historical Society and the RSL to develop a tribute that reflects the building’s importance to the community.
“TAFE will work with Council, the Historical Society and the RSL on the project, and I will remain involved and active in this as plans progress.”
A timeline for the demolition and memorial installation has yet to be announced.
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