Media release - Louder Inside, Quieter Outside - The Malachi's Soundproofing Upgrade

March 27, 2025

The Malachi Gilmore Hall in Oberon has taken an important step toward securing its future as a thriving live music venue, thanks to the support of the NSW Government's Venues Unlocked: Soundproofing Grants for Live Music Venues program, delivered through Sound NSW.

This grant will fund critical sound mitigation treatments, helping to enhance the venue's acoustic performance while respecting and preserving its heritage fabric. The upgrades will ensure the Hall can better meet the needs of contemporary audiences, performers, and the local community while continuing to celebrate its rich historical legacy.

Originally built in 1937, the Malachi Gilmore Hall is as famous for its eye-catching Art Deco architecture as it is for its history as a community gathering place. Recently revitalised as a hub for music, theatre, and the arts, the Hall has hosted everything from classical concerts to contemporary gigs. But like many heritage buildings, it faces a challenge: how do you fit out a sound system in a hall that is almost 90 years old that can satisfy a modern audience's ear?

A full and noisy house – the "Café Latte Orchestra" with 55 players of brass,
woodwind and grand piano at the Malachi. Photo – Lucy East

That's where this soundproofing grant comes in.

"The Malachi Gilmore Hall is incredibly grateful for the support of Sound NSW and the NSW Government," said Lucy East, co-owner of the Hall. "It means we can host live music events more often, at the volume the music deserves, without worrying about noise travelling beyond the Hall. It's all about striking the right balance – respecting our heritage, supporting live music, and being good neighbours."

The planned soundproofing upgrades will reduce noise leakage while improving the acoustics inside the venue, making performances sound even better for audiences and performers alike.

The Venues Unlocked program, delivered by Sound NSW, is designed to help live music venues manage sound challenges and keep the music alive in communities across the state. By supporting venues like the Malachi, the program also helps ensure that cultural and heritage icons remain relevant and vibrant for future generations.

So, the next time you're enjoying a gig at the Malachi, spare a thought for the soundproofing! Thanks to this forward-thinking initiative, the music stays inside the Hall – and the Hall stays at the heart of Oberon's creative scene.

For more information or media inquiries, contact: Lucy East  lucy@malachigilmorehall.com.au

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