Once condemned by the Walgett Council, the Burren Junction School of Arts Hall has undergone a remarkable transformation—thanks to the determination and vision of the community, who were determined not to lose it. In 2015, a group of volunteers formed the Hall Committee and embarked on a journey to breathe new life into one of the town’s most iconic and historic buildings.
The first step in the hall’s revival was modest but meaningful: painting the back wall of the stage to enable local schoolchildren to put on performances. This simple gesture reactivated the hall’s role as a cultural heart of the community. Soon after, a crowdfunding campaign raised enough to install stage curtains, further enhancing the space and encouraging community use.
Momentum grew. A successful grant application to the State Government funded a much-needed upgrade to the toilet block. At the same time, support from The Royal Agricultural Society enabled the construction of a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen—turning the hall into a functional hub for larger events and gatherings.
With further funding acquired by the Walgett Shire Council, part of the old storage area was removed, and the adjacent Supper Room was fully renovated into a comfortable, air-conditioned space. With generous donations from locals, this room was beautifully furnished and now serves as a vital meeting space and entertaining area—one of the crowning achievements of the project so far.
Alongside the hall restoration, the committee turned its attention to the adjoining War Memorial. The original Honour Boards were lovingly restored, and community fundraising efforts led to the creation of a striking stone memorial that honours the town’s servicemen and women with dignity and permanence.
Renovation efforts have continued, most recently with the transformation of the hall’s original “Smoker’s Room.” This space has been reimagined as a boutique museum, now housing a treasured collection of local photographs, stories, and memorabilia—preserving Burren Junction’s unique heritage for future generations.
From condemned to celebrated, the restoration of the Burren Junction School of Arts Hall stands as a testament to community spirit, local pride, and the enduring power of collective effort.
Recently, the Progress Association has raised money to restore the old "Smoker's Room" and turn it into a boutique museum housing valuable memorabilia about the town's rich railway, sporting, agricultural and social history.
We have also secured a grant to have Starlink installed giving free wifi to locals and visitors at the Hall. This also includes a big screen for meetings and movie nights. Feel free to pull up in Hastings Street to use the free wifi; no password is needed.