20 March 2025
At its Ordinary Council Meeting on 19 March 2025, Southern Downs Regional Council voted to provide a letter of support to the Amiens History Association (AHA) for the relocation of the historic Amiens Memorial Hall to its original site in Amiens.
Council’s decision helps pave the way for this important local heritage asset to return to the heart of the Amiens community, where it was first established nearly a century ago.
Originally erected to commemorate the sacrifices of World War I servicemen, the hall officially opened on 26 June 1926 as a central gathering place for the Amiens community. Nearly 50 years later in June 1975, it was donated to the former Stanthorpe Shire Council and relocated to the Fred Rogers Campsite.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the letter will allow the AHA to pursue much-needed grant funding to facilitate the hall’s relocation and restoration.
“By providing this letter of support, Council is enabling the Amiens History Association to apply for the grants needed to bring the hall home,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“The return of the Amiens Memorial Hall is a milestone opportunity to preserve a unique part of our region’s wartime legacy.
“Council is proud to stand beside the Amiens Historical Association as they champion this important project.”
Amiens History Association President Dale Minchenton welcomed the news and said the relocation project is part of a broader preservation plan to foster community connection.
“Amiens History Association is about to embark on our next five-year plan which includes the essential hall relocation project,” Ms Minchenton said.
“The relocation of the hall will not only benefit the local Amiens community but the entire Southern Downs region, as well as serve as a significant monument to the Pikedale Soldiers Settlement.
“The Association remains strongly commited to preserving our soldier settler history and seeks essential renewal in engaging the broader community.
“The Amiens Hall project allows us to foster and support community events, and we are now well-placed to build (literally) upon our solid foundation.
“On behalf of the Amiens History Association and the local community, I would like to extend our deep gratitude to Mayor Melissa Hamilton, the Councillors and Council staff for this opportunity to pursue our vision.”
The project is also seen as a catalyst to boost local tourism, given Amiens' rich soldier settlement history, and will complement other heritage initiatives in the Southern Downs.
The hall is currently located on the Fred Rogers Camp Reserve, for which Council is the Trustee. The State has indicated its support for the removal, provided it aligns with the purpose of the reserve and serves the broader public interest.
Council’s endorsement is subject to key conditions, including that the relocation, restoration, and associated works will be undertaken at no cost to Council, and that the building is accepted in its current condition. Compliance with all Trustee requirements will also be mandatory.
"This project will not only preserve a significant historical landmark but also strengthen our community's connection to its heritage,” Mayor Hamilton added.
“We look forward to working with the Amiens Historical Association and the community to bring this historic hall back to Amiens.”
Last edited date 20 Mar 2025