Calamvale Recreation Hall

This particular structure is an example of a community building that has been constructed out of the resources and efforts of the residents of the area. Not only do such buildings provide an amenity for residents, they also provide one of the recognised symbols of progress occurring in an area. The need for such a type of building and its subsequent additions and usage, denote the relative stages and priorities that a community has undergone or is currently undergoing, during a particular period. 

The hall’s eventual construction was a result of a number of years of fund raising and coordination. A Committee met and was formed on 28 April 1949 (Acacia Ridge Conveyance Committee) to deal with local issues that were impacting upon the Community. By April the following year the topic of a building was raised. It was suggested that “...we approach Mr Beckett re information regarding the building on (a) thousand acres…” The size of the land owned by Beckett indicates the still rural nature of the area (Becketts actually owned just over 1120 acres).

On 2 April 1951 the committee discussed the starting of a building fund for the hall. A number of events were held and by September 1953 the fund had a balance of over £276/-/-. After a number of attempts to secure a block of land it was not until May 1956 the land was finally obtained and placed into the hands of the three nominated trustees, Alfred Mamino, Arthur Slater and George Samual Atterbury. 

During the period of the 1950s the topic of the hall featured on a regular basis at committee meetings. After much discussion it was decided that the hall was to be of wood and fibro and to have “a iron roof.” A Mr Meek had been engaged to draw up plans for the hall and by 27 September 1956 the plans had been lodged with the Brisbane City Council.

Construction of the hall occurred over a number of years using volunteer labour, which reflects the determination of residents to complete the project. A number of notable people in the area were involved. This is exampled by the work of Mr Calam (from the family after whom the area is named), whom along with several others made the doors (4) required for the hall.



Fund raising was continuous and important process that involved nearly all of the community. The minutes of 6 May 1958 stated that fund raising included directly asking (and receiving) loans from residents.

At this time, while timber for the floor had yet to be supplied and laid, the State Insurance Co had visited the site and approved the building for an insurance value of £1000/-/-, which would be “increased as the building is near completion.” 

Despite the extended period of construction members of the now titled Calamvale Recreation Club were able to meet in their new hall by October 1958. Subsequent alterations and improvements occurred to the hall over time. These include the addition of toilet block and kitchenette in 1976-77.

Since its construction a number of groups and organisations have utilised, and at times controlled, the hall for both formal meetings and social occasions. These occupants provide a good cross representation of residents of the area and include: Church groups using the hall for a Sunday School, dances, “Girls Club”, “Boys Club”, The Calamvale Progress Association, Ladies Committee of the Calamvale School, bush fire brigade and more recently the Calamvale recreation Whist and Indoor Bowls Club.

The building is an important functioning remnant of the immediate Post WWII community of the Calamvale area and is a physical representation of the collective effort, and to a certain degree the collective consciousness, of the community that built and subsequently utilised it.

1. Buttenshaw, Mrs J. Previous newspaper reporter, wrote the news column “Calamvale Chronicle”. Oral discussions between her and Chris Robertson and use of her scrapbook on the area

2. Brisbane City Council Building Records

3. Calamvale State School: Silver Jubilee. 1955 – 1980. (1980.Slacks Creek. Assembly Press)

4. Certificates of Title.

5. Minutes of the Calamvale Recreation Club. 1949 – 1962

6. Roberts, Beryl. Stories of the Southside. Vol.1 (Archerfield; Aussie Books.1991)