Established in 1930, Blue Knob Hall is situated on the lands of the Bundjalung nation beneath the sacred landmark of “Biorgini” Blue Knob and Lillian Rock.
Many social and educational events were enjoyed here up until the 1980’s when the Hall fell into disrepair.
In 2000, the community gathered together motivated to reignite the life of the Hall as a community hub. They registered the Hall as Blue Knob Hall Incorporated Association and formed the first Committee. The first Committee Members included Ruth and Alan McDonald, Robyn Moore, Danny Wort and others. Extensive renovations were completed by community members pro bono, and the Blue Knob Hall artist-run Gallery and Cafe officially opened in 2004.
The Blue Knob Hall continues to be managed by a volunteer Management Committee for the benefit of the membership based volunteer association.
Building Blue Knob Hall
During the 1890’s settlers started to move into the Blue Knob area, and within a few years the land was being opened up and dairying had commenced.
For the growing numbers of maturing young people who had grown up on their parents farms during the 1920’s and 1930’s, the completion of the Blue Knob Hall in 1930 marked a great advance in the possible variety and quality of the social life.
The idea of a community hall was first conceived as early as 1924. The initial building was constructed by Moss Ronan and Stan Salkeld on land donated by Jim McClelland, for a cost of 153 shillings?? A supper room and stage were added later.
In addition to an occasional visit by such travelling film companies as Boston’s Talkies complete with their own generator, the new hall soon became the center for a very full and enjoyable social round of dances and ball, such as the New Years Eve White Night Ball. The hall was decorated with greenery, flowers and streamers. A special preparation of the dance floor using just the right amount of kerosene and sawdust with great music plus a lavish supper added tot he night.
Pupils from the nearby Blue Knob School were taught dancing by the local ladies of the district in the hall. Kitchen teas and 21st birthdays have always been very popular over the years. Dances were held regularly to raise money for renovations and upkeep, including restumping of the hall in 1979.
Before the hall was built, Church of England and Presbyterian church services were held from time to time in the homes of Harry and Ernie Pratt, and of John and Frank Ronan respectively.
When the hall became available services were held each month by a Presbyterian minister from Nimbin. Sunday School was conducted with Mr Harry Pratt as Superintendent and with teaching and musical assistance, provided by a number of ladies from local families including the Pratt, Styles and McClellands. The Blue Knob Hall has been standing now for over 65 years and still remains the centre of attraction. Special recognition mist be given to long time residents, supporters and committee members Alan and Ruth McDonald and Bruce and Marge McClelland, for their untiring efforts towards the hall.
In 1989 the executive committee members were: President – Danny Wort, Secretary – Robyn Moore, Treasurer – Fae Hallman.
One of the activities in the hall was the Bushfire Brigade where they met once a month for their meetings. Very few of the older generation of Blue Knob residents still remain there, leaving way for a new generation that have moved into the district.
It has been over 100 years since Blue Knob was opened up with settlers moving in and paving the way for the future generation to follow their footsteps. (Taken from souvenir pamphlet for the Blue Knob Reunion Day October 1, 1989. Fae Hallman, Bruce and Marge McClelland, Alan and Ruth McDonald)
Robin Moore 1925 – 2018
Robin Moore became involved with Blue Knob Hall in the late 90’s and joined the small band of women maintaining the Hall, who were mostly from the local farming community. With the Hall for hire, many community events like dances and social gatherings were held there. Over time the demographics of the area changed and the Hall became less and less used. Maintaining the building became a challenge and so the idea of turning the Hall into an art space was born!
Robin was a key mover and shaker in getting the idea off the ground, along with a lot of effort by volunteers. Robin was always amongst it, sleeves rolled up, ready to tackle any task required. In 2000 the Hall committee submitted a Development Application to Lismore City Council, and after 4 years of hard volunteer work, the Blue Knob Hall Gallery and Cafe opened in 2004.
Robin maintained her connection with the Hall over the years as an integral member of the management committee. In later years she also ran a weekly stall at our Blue Knob Farmer’s Market, selling her pies and chocolate brownies, as a fundraiser for the Gallery. Already a well-known local artist and felt maker, Robin exhibited her work locally and at Blue Knob Hall Gallery. When the Blue Knob Ceramic Studio opened in 2016, Robin made the decision to become a pottery student at the age of 91 yrs.
Robin’s spirit lives on in the walls of our beloved thriving community gallery, which is now called Blue Knob Hall Gallery, Cafe and Ceramic Studio.
Judy Cassab – Portrait donation
Blue Knob Hall Gallery had the honour of receiving the lithograph print titled ‘Guitar Player’ by renowned Australian artist Judy Cassab (1920 – 2015).
Through her son John Seed and family, Judy had a long association with people in the Lismore/Channon area and became very close to people’s hearts. Donated to the Gallery on her behalf, by her son John and family, it has its own permanent place in our community Gallery.
Judy Cassab was the first woman to win the Archibald Prize twice for her portraits ‘Stanislaus Rapotec’ (1960) and ‘Portrait of Margo Lewers’ (1967). Judy was an artist of immense insight and imagination, painting portraitures of social luminaries, royals, fellow artists, family and friends, and was also known as a prolific draughtswoman, printmaker and acclaimed landscape artist.
Our deepest gratitude goes to her family in thinking of us as a place to hold one of her beautiful pieces. For more about Judy Cassab and her work, go to judycassab.com.
Graham Ferguson Memorial Seat
In 2024, Blue Knob Hall installed a stunning new acquisition in the garden – a unique, sandstone seat which is dedicated to the memory of Graham Ferguson who passed away in 2021. Graham loved to come to Blue Knob Hall Gallery and Cafe every week for coffee. He was an integral part of the exhibition hanging team and his family commissioned local artist Rebekah Webster, assisted by Jen Harkness, to create this beautiful seat. People can sit and drink coffee, contemplate and gaze upon Blue Knob Mountain, where Graham had made his home.