Brunswick Junction Memorial Town Hall celebrates 85 year anniversary with a show fit for all

If walls could talk, the Brunswick Junction Memorial Town Hall would never stop — from motorcycle riding to roller skating, the town’s historical building has seen it all. After decades of hosting Brunswick’s revelries, the town hall will now host a show of its own to celebrate its 85th birthday. The show is set to take residents on a journey through the hall’s history, with live performances, music and stories all performed by locals. Brunswick resident and show participant Lyndon Edwards said as with most towns, in its prime the hall was the central meeting place and used for almost everything. “It was the largest covered space in the area to hold events — that is what it comes down to. In winter you didn’t really want to be outside under a tree getting struck by lightning,” he said. “Officially it was designed to fit 300 and 150 in the supper room next door, and you certainly wouldn’t be social distancing to fit 300 people in.” Brunswick Community Resource Centre manager Tina Wallis said the hall had been used as a cinema, sports facility and had even hosted weddings. “There was a trampoline in the middle of the hall, and around the trampoline people used to roller skate — can you imagine?” Mr Edwards said the town hall’s anniversary seemed a good excuse to host an event, and stories of motorcycle riding inside the hall would make great entertainment. “We thought ‘what can we hang the hook on?’ when someone made the point that it was 85 years,” he said. “They (the Shire of Harvey) probably wouldn’t be too happy about the roller skating but at least it kept the termites out of the floor.” Shire of Harvey president Paul Gillett said over the past 85 years the Brunswick Town Hall had seen numerous community celebrations, events and milestones. “It is important that we recognise this anniversary and the historic and social role this building has played in the community of Brunswick Junction and also the Shire,” he said. The celebration is open to all this Saturday and will include a three-course meal.