Ambergate Hall

Statement of Significance

The hall and the plaque have historic value for their association with the Group 44 settlers from the Group Settlement Scheme who first established farms in the region. The hall has social value for the members of the Ambergate community and more distant communities who have attended functions and events at the place since 1935.

Physical Description

This hall is a simple gable roof timber framed building clad with weatherboard and fibre cement above sill height. An entry vestibule clad with metal decking adjoins one end of the hall. Separate shed structures have been constructed adjoining the original hall. These later utilitarian structures are clad with metal decking. The first settlers’ plaque is now missing from the concrete plinth located adjacent to the entrance to the hall.

History

This hall was one of many built for the Group Settlement scheme which operated in the south west during the 1920s. The Group Settlement Scheme was a government venture designed to establish a dairy industry. Settlers were recruited from elsewhere in Australia and from Britain, given land and subsidised for stock and expenses. Many holdings were uneconomic and settlers endured great hardship. After two Royal Commissions, the schemes were abandoned in the early 1930s. From the available information this area was settled by Group 44 and the name Ambergate originates with these settlers. It is probable this building was constructed to provide a school premises for the children of the ‘Groupies’ that was built c1925. It was common practice for a single building to provide for multiple functions, and importantly provided a location for the members of these groups to gather and socialise. It is apparent from the physical evidence that there have been several additions and alterations to the hall since its original construction.A plaque was erected on the site in 2002 to recognise and honour the early settlers in this region who were members of Group 44.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place retains its original function and retains a high degree of integrity. The place has been altered on a number of occasions and retains a moderate to high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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