A SPECIAL letter was received by Wingham Museum last week.
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Addressed to Manning Valley Historical Society's president Barbara Waters, the letter informed Wingham Memorial Town Hall had been listed on the State Heritage Register.
The Minister for Heritage Mark Speakman, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of NSW, directed the listing.
Barbara says to top off the good news, last week also marked Heritage Week, an annual national celebration of Australia's unique heritage.
"What nicer way to celebrate Heritage Week than to have our beautiful hall State heritage listed!"
Barbara said the "letter is the icing on the cake" of what has been a combined effort by many groups such as the Wingham Advancement Group, and led by Greater Taree City Council's Strategic Heritage Committee.
The Strategic Heritage Committee put forward a submission to the The NSW State Office of Environment and Heritage in August of 2015.
Greater Taree City Council senior strategic planner Sue Calvin says "State heritage listing is a real benefit in terms of not only recognising the heritage significance of this iconic building, but by opening up opportunities for funding to restore the building."
Council's submission detailed the hall's significance as a war memorial, its uniqueness as the only memorial town hall in NSW, and its role in bringing the community together. The hall also boasts architectural rarity, by being built in a interwar Californian Bungalow style, which was typically reserved for residential buildings.
Historically, Barbara said, the hall served as the offices of the Wingham Municipal Council.
A siginicant event held at the hall was the Victory in the Pacific ball, where two bands were said to have played all night.
The hall has also been the venue for many debuntante balls, church fairs and personal events such as weddings, funerals and anniversaries.
"It's a very historic and signifiant part of our town," said Barbara.
"All of Wingham can be proud of their town hall."
Barbara is looking forward to the hall's new heritage status being celebrated at the Anzac Commemorative event at the hall on Sunday June 12 at 1.30pm.
There will be a book launch, unveiling of the Centenary of Anzac Wingham Memorial Town Hall Photographic Exhibition, followed by a "Musical Memories" concert highlighting music and songs from WW1 and WW11 times. Afternoon tea will be provided by Manning Valley Historical Society volunteers.
Tickets are on sale at Wingham Museum for $10 per person with free admission for children under 12 years.