Possible renaming of Bowral Memorial Hall

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Consultation has concluded

More than 1,200 community members had their say on the Bowral Memorial Hall Renaming Proposal.

1,076 respondents (or 88%) answered that they did not support the renaming of Bowral Memorial Hall.


At its Council meeting on 21 September 2022, Council resolved:

THAT Council, based on feedback from the community retain the name of Bowral Memorial Hall.

The Council report and minutes can be found in the document library.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond.


Council has received a request to rename/rebrand the Bowral Memorial Hall, while keeping the terms "Memorial" and "Bowral".

Two suggestions were provided:

  • Bowral Memorial Entertainment & Convention Centre
  • Bowral Memorial Performing Arts & Seminar Hub

The reasons behind the request include:

  • The Shire has become a popular location for hosting events.
  • The current refurbishment of the hall will attract events from concerts to conventions, bringing people in from outside the area.
  • Wingecarribee Shire is changing rapidly.

The historically significant building which was first constructed in 1884 as the School of Arts, is currently undergoing its fourth major refurbishment. While originally named the School of Arts, the building was home to Empire Pictures which relocated to Bong Bong Street in 1915. The School of Arts was also home to the original town library from 1888.

The building was eventually purchased by Bowral Council. In 1961 the School of Arts building was renovated by the Council, and renamed as Bowral Memorial Hall. The then Bowral Mayor, Alderman Eric Bunter performed the opening ceremony and dedication of the hall as a memorial to those who served in World War II on Thursday 24 August 1961.

Bowral Memorial Hall and the School of Arts are valued by the community for their associations with the cultural and social life of the town over a long period of time.

Stakeholders/User Groups and the Public will utilise the facility as a fit for purpose multi-use asset. The current refurbishment aims to support Council in meeting its obligations to the community by providing a contemporary environment to serve all.

The current Bowral Memorial Hall refurbishment is being funded by Wingecarribee Shire Council as well as the Commonwealth, who are contributing $2.8 million. The Project Cost is in excess of $6 million.

Further details on this refurbishment can be found on the WSC website here.

What are your thoughts on renaming Bowral Memorial Hall?

  • To provide your feedback, complete the two minute survey below, email mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au or write to Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141, Moss Vale 2577
  • All submissions must be received by 4.30 pm Friday 12 August 2022.


More than 1,200 community members had their say on the Bowral Memorial Hall Renaming Proposal.

1,076 respondents (or 88%) answered that they did not support the renaming of Bowral Memorial Hall.


At its Council meeting on 21 September 2022, Council resolved:

THAT Council, based on feedback from the community retain the name of Bowral Memorial Hall.

The Council report and minutes can be found in the document library.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond.


Council has received a request to rename/rebrand the Bowral Memorial Hall, while keeping the terms "Memorial" and "Bowral".

Two suggestions were provided:

  • Bowral Memorial Entertainment & Convention Centre
  • Bowral Memorial Performing Arts & Seminar Hub

The reasons behind the request include:

  • The Shire has become a popular location for hosting events.
  • The current refurbishment of the hall will attract events from concerts to conventions, bringing people in from outside the area.
  • Wingecarribee Shire is changing rapidly.

The historically significant building which was first constructed in 1884 as the School of Arts, is currently undergoing its fourth major refurbishment. While originally named the School of Arts, the building was home to Empire Pictures which relocated to Bong Bong Street in 1915. The School of Arts was also home to the original town library from 1888.

The building was eventually purchased by Bowral Council. In 1961 the School of Arts building was renovated by the Council, and renamed as Bowral Memorial Hall. The then Bowral Mayor, Alderman Eric Bunter performed the opening ceremony and dedication of the hall as a memorial to those who served in World War II on Thursday 24 August 1961.

Bowral Memorial Hall and the School of Arts are valued by the community for their associations with the cultural and social life of the town over a long period of time.

Stakeholders/User Groups and the Public will utilise the facility as a fit for purpose multi-use asset. The current refurbishment aims to support Council in meeting its obligations to the community by providing a contemporary environment to serve all.

The current Bowral Memorial Hall refurbishment is being funded by Wingecarribee Shire Council as well as the Commonwealth, who are contributing $2.8 million. The Project Cost is in excess of $6 million.

Further details on this refurbishment can be found on the WSC website here.

What are your thoughts on renaming Bowral Memorial Hall?

  • To provide your feedback, complete the two minute survey below, email mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au or write to Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141, Moss Vale 2577
  • All submissions must be received by 4.30 pm Friday 12 August 2022.