After a concerted effort by locals to raise funds the King River Hall was built in 1900. At that time King River was a well known fruit growing district.
The Hall is a heritage listed building and sits on a leasehold of 30 acres of bushland.
The State Heritage Assessment of the King River Hall, completed in May 2008, gives an interesting insight into the beginnings of The Hall: “As the population of the King River district increased, residents formed the King River Settler’s Association which, on 5 August 1899, requested a grant for construction of an agricultural hall. The maximum grant of 250 pounds was approved on 12 January 1900 under authority no. 1622.”
Approval indicated the district had the requisite number of no less than 76 people within a seven mile radius of a central point – usually a Post Office, but in the case of the King River it was likely the school as there was no Post Office in the district. The numbers were probably assisted by the fact that most families had six or more children.
The Hall is cared for by volunteers who seek to provide a variety of programs for local residents and indeed anyone who wants to join in.
Whilst the King River Hall is located close to Albany, The Hall and River District still retain a rural community atmosphere.
About the King River
The video below highlights conservation work done along the King River, Albany, Western Australia.
It includes interviews with some of the key players involved in the conservation work.
~ Steve and Geraldine Janicke