By River McCrossen and Liz Cutts

Baradine locals have raised concerns over hire prices at the Baradine Memorial Hall after Warrumbungle Shire took over management.

The Baradine and District Progress Association (BDPA) previously ran the Shire-owned hall and set charges.

When Council took over in November, they applied their own fees, which BDPA member Ted Hayman said has increased the cost of hiring the hall by as much as 30 per cent.

Warrumbungle Shire said charity, school, pensioner and community groups can request a fee waiver from the General Manager.

However, BDPA member Ted Hayman said the price jump has already discouraged local groups from using the hall, including the karate club.

"We simply charged what people could afford, and that worked pretty well," said Mr Hayman about the former arrangement," he said.

"The karate club have moved to the CWA (Country Women's Association) hall, where they get the thing for $25."

He also said community members felt a sense of ownership over the hall, which they have fundraised for restore over the last ten years.

"We pretty well were married to it, so we didn't really see any reason why it needed to change. The council was making money," he said.

The hall is also used for functions, indoor sports like soccer and ANZAC Day services.

Mr Hayman was recognised on Australia Day in 2025 for his work to revitalise the hall.

A statement from the council said the BDPA had advised that they no longer wished to manage the hall, which Mr Hayman disputes.

The statement said Council met Association members on "multiple occasions" regarding the change, including a community drop-in session held on 4 November.

Council did not provide dates for the other occasions.

Mr Hayman said he went to the drop-in session and voiced opposition to the change.

The Council statement said they will manage the hall "on an interim basis" while they set up a new volunteer committee, also known as a Section 355, to take over.

During their 11 December meeting, councillors voted almost unanimously to accept three nominations for the committee, including Gisela Evans, Bruce Evans and Marjory Drummond.

However more members will be needed before the new committee can step into the fray.

Baradine councillor Dennis Todd and deputy mayor Jason Newton voted against the proposal.

Not a clear cut

Apart from the increase in hire costs, the Progress Association says there are other factors that weren't taken into consideration when council resumed control of the hall.

“Council also needs to realise that most of the audio and recording equipment in the hall has been purchased outright by the Progress Association; not council," Mr Hayman said.

“Likewise, the purchase of the tables and chairs and the installation of the new kitchen was financed and built by the Progress Association; not council. 

“Along with the external painting of the hall, the new roof, sound-proofing and carpet, all purchased by the Progress Association, as well as all the sundry works such as the floor sanding were done and paid for by the association; not council.”

Hall users unhappy

Past-president of the Baradine Aged Care Committee, Paul Wangmann says the new charges came as a shock after hiring the hall last weekend for an annual two-hour fundraising event for the town’s medical services.

“We paid the $600 bond and the $30 hire fee, but for a small committee that’s a big ask, especially when funds are already stretched,” he said.

“Even though the bond is refundable, the money still has to come from somewhere,” he said.

“That’s money that could have gone directly toward supporting our local medical services.

"For many groups, paying such a large amount upfront just isn’t possible.

“We were fortunate we could cover the cost on this occasion, but it does make you think twice about holding future events.

"Under the Progress Association, fees were fair, flexible, and still allowed the hall to operate successfully. This new approach is completely out of step with how community fundraising actually works.”

Former Citizen of the Year Paul Wangman. [IMAGE: Warrumbungle Shire Council]

“The Baradine Memorial Hall is central to how we honour our veterans and bring the community together on important occasions,” says Baradine RSL president, Michael Ross. 

“But the current charges mean we have to seriously reconsider whether we can continue using the hall.

“Our commemorative events aren’t fundraisers; they’re about remembrance and respect. Under the management of the Baradine Progress Association there was an understanding of that.

"Now we’re being treated the same as commercial users, and that’s disappointing for a memorial hall.

“It’s not about refusing to pay our way, it’s about whether the system recognises the role community and veteran groups play.

"The hall exists because of community sacrifice and it should remain accessible to all those groups who use the hall for fundraising events for our town.”

Council stands firm

"Section 355 Volunteer Hall Committees are intended to support increased community involvement in the management of community facilities.

"Council is currently progressing the establishment of a new committee for the Baradine Memorial Hall," the council said in a statement.

"Once established, the Section 355 Volunteer Hall Committee will operate under the direction of Council.

"This includes responsibilities relating to bookings, finances, cleaning and maintenance, in accordance with Council’s Guidelines and the Deed of Agreement.

"Council will provide further updates to the community as the Section 355 Volunteer Hall Committee process progresses."

Council also resolved to accept nominations for committees to run halls in Mendooran and Binnaway.