New roof secures future for Tabulam Public Hall

The people of Tabulam are celebrating the completion of a major upgrade to their much-loved public hall this month, with the NSW Government investing $86,174 through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to replace the ageing roof and ensure the facility remains safe, functional and fit for purpose.

Located around 55 kilometres west of Casino in Far North Coast NSW, the century-old Tabulam Public Hall is the beating heart of community life in the village. The hall is host to a wide range of activities including community markets, dances, celebrations and meetings as well as playing a critical role as a local emergency evacuation centre for the entire district during bushfires, floods and other emergencies.

Significant deterioration of the hall’s roof had begun to affect water quality and threaten the building’s long-term viability. Crown Lands funded a repair project that included new roof battens, guttering and replacing the roof itself.

Additional works at the site were supported by Kyogle Council, which contributed funding for new stumps, a water storage tank, filtration system and improved drainage, further strengthening the resilience and usability of the facility.

The works will help ensure the hall remains a safe and welcoming place for everyday gatherings as well as larger events.

The project builds on previous investments to support the hall’s role as an emergency and recovery hub, including upgrades following the 2019 bushfires and recent flood events. Together, these improvements are helping to preserve an important community asset while ensuring it can continue to serve local residents well into the future.

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund provides funding to assist Crown land managers to maintain and improve public reserves, enabling communities to better use and enjoy these shared spaces while protecting important public assets.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is focused on improving our Crown reserves to benefit the community, boost our economy and contribute to cultural, sporting and recreational life across the state.

“Community halls are at the heart of regional towns, bringing people together and providing vital support during times of need. This investment will ensure the Tabulam Public Hall remains a safe and reliable place for the community to gather, celebrate and respond to emergencies.”

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This hall has been the beating heart of Tabulam for over a century, and it’s seen this community through its best and toughest times. Our regional halls are more than just meeting places; they are where our stories are told and where our resilience is built.

"It’s about getting the town's mojo back and making sure residents have a place to gather and support one another."

“It’s great to see the NSW Government and Kyogle Council working hand-in-hand to deliver a project that the community actually asked for."

Chair of the Tabulam Public Hall Crown Reserve Land Manager Dr Kevin Webb said:

“We’re extremely grateful for the support from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. This is the biggest upgrade the hall has seen in decades, and it has secured the future of an incredibly important community facility.

“Without it, the hall would probably have had to close, so this was a really important rescue for us. Now we are able fulfil our role as an emergency evacuation centre and continue to have this beautiful place where our community can come together.”