Welcome to the history of the Tuntable Community Hall. This page details how local volunteers repurposed materials and worked together to build a self-funded, multifunctional meeting space, that has served our community for decades.
Recognizing the need for a communal space to foster unity and support the wider local area, the concept of the Tuntable Community Hall was conceived. Building on the early success of the Tuntable Falls Preschool (1979) and Primary School (1981), Co-operative volunteers embarked on a journey to establish a lasting community asset. In 1982, they began gathering materials, notably repurposing timber salvaged from an old Lismore church hall scheduled for demolition.
After a series of design consultations and with final approval from both Co-operative members and Lismore Council, construction commenced in earnest in 1984. Volunteer efforts were central to the project: the roof was meticulously erected using salvaged timber and locally sourced poles, while the walls were constructed from mudbricks crafted by community members. By 1987, the Tuntable Community Hall had evolved into a vibrant hub, hosting its first Annual General Meeting, and over the following decade, additional features such as verandas, a dedicated Co-op office, and storerooms were seamlessly integrated.
Today, the hall stands as a model of sustainable infrastructure. It is equipped with six compost toilets and several large water tanks—essential for fire safety and maintained through an efficient rainwater harvesting system. Every phase of construction, renovation, and repair has been entirely self-funded by the Co-operative, underscoring our commitment to self-reliance, prudent stewardship, and innovative community development.
This achievement not only reflects our capacity for effective resource management but also serves as a viable model for sustainable initiatives, aligning with the objectives of government and non-profit partners seeking to support forward-thinking community projects.