Media release: Oberon's Heritage Hall Recognised at State Awards

May 22, 2025

The Malachi Gilmore Hall has once again put Oberon on the map - this time as a finalist in the prestigious 2025 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards, announced last Friday in Sydney.

Shortlisted in the Built Conservation category, the Malachi stood alongside nine exceptional restoration projects from across the state. While the winner was the impressive revival of the Old Bega Hospital - which also took out the overall Judge's Choice Award - our local landmark was proudly recognised as one of NSW's most outstanding examples of heritage conservation.

Built in 1937, the Malachi Gilmore Hall has long captured imaginations with its unusual Art Deco design - a rarity in regional NSW. The hall was originally commissioned by a Catholic bishop inspired by futuristic architecture he saw on a trip to Italy in 1936. "He said he didn't mind if it looked like 1978," said Malachi co-owner Lucy East. That bold design made the Malachi a social and cultural centre in its first four decades.

The hall became a social heart of Oberon, hosting dances, screenings and community events. But by the 1980s, it had fallen into decline and then repurposed as a wool warehouse and craft store.

When Lucy and Johnny East purchased the hall in 2017, it was in a dire state. "The weatherboards were falling off, ivy had completely overtaken one side, and half the stage had been ripped out," said Lucy. "But we were inspired by its madcap architecture - and by the idea that it could once again be a creative centre for Oberon."

"We were totally new to heritage conservation," Lucy said, "but we saw the potential in its architecture and its place in Oberon's story."

Johnny and Lucy East, Lian Wong and Georgea and Doug Booth. Photo supplied

With the help of local builders, heritage experts, and volunteer working bees, the Easts set about restoring the hall - bringing it back not just as a building, but as a vibrant arts and events space for the town. Their first event, The Malachi Revival, won a National Trust award for the state's best heritage event in 2019. Six years later, their work continues to attract recognition and admiration.

"It's been a long journey, and being shortlisted this year is incredibly meaningful," Lucy said. "We're proud to be part of a community that values its heritage."

Lucy and Johnny were quick to thank the many people who have helped along the way: the Maranatha Constructions team led by Doug Booth, heritage advisor Christo Aitken, architect Colin Janes, and suppliers like Murobond Paints, Everdure Caltite, and Norglass Paints. Funding support from Heritage NSW and the Office of Responsible Gambling also played a vital role in the hall's revival.

The Malachi wasn't the only project with local connections to be honoured. One of the lead architects behind the winning Old Bega Hospital project is Lian Wong from O'Connell, just down the road. Lian is a familiar face in Oberon as the bass player from popular local band The Safety of life at Sea.

Also recognised was Dhuluny: 200 Years of Wiradyuri Resistance, a powerful project based in Bathurst, which received the Aboriginal Heritage Award for its commemoration of Wiradyuri survival, culture, and resistance.

As for the Malachi? It may not have taken home the top prize, but as Lucy said, "Being shortlisted alongside these projects is a huge honour - and an encouraging moment for everyone who's helped us along the way."\

Thank you to Lucy East for the story.

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