Heritage Walking Tour
Discover Kaniva's main street heritage buildings with this short smartphone walking tour
Kaniva Shire Hall
The Kaniva Shire Hall, built in 1927, is one of two public buildings in Victoria to feature a cameo ceiling. The upstairs features the old council chambers and the downstairs offices are now used by the genealogy group. In days gone by, the hall was also used as a cinema and roller skating rink. The hall can be viewed by visiting the West Wimmera Shire Council offices in Baker St adjacent to the hall during office hours. It is now used for a variety of community events and is available for private hire. It was recently restored to include accessibility features of ramps and doors.
Kaniva Shire Hall History
The Kaniva Shire Hall was officially opened at 3pm on September 18th, 1928. A “turning of the key” ceremony marked the occasion, and despite the rough weather, a cheering crowd was eager to step inside. Guests enjoyed a “knife and fork” tea in the dining room before a concert featuring artists from Nhill, Horsham, Murtoa, and Melbourne. An 18-piece orchestra provided music, and a local band played for the dance that followed.
The hall also became home to the Kaniva Picture Company. On opening night, they screened Half an Hour with a Camera. Visiting “picture show man” L.A. Hutchinson praised the venue, calling it the most up-to-date theatre he had seen outside the city.
Over time, the building became known as the Kaniva Theatre. It hosted community balls, weddings, funerals, public meetings, and even roller skating in the 1980s. The very first ball was the “Matron’s Ball” in October 1928. Its hardwood floor, often described as “Jaffa friendly,” made it perfect for dancing and skating alike.
The hall was built as a joint project between the Lawloit Shire Council and the Mechanics Institute. It served as both a public hall and the municipal chambers, and was a point of pride for the community, the architect, and the builders. Melbourne architect Gordon J. Sutherland won a design competition in 1926, creating a concrete, brick, and steel structure that cost £8,000 to build. Smith Brothers of Werribee won the tender, and the foundation stone was laid the following year by Shire President S. Roy Champness.
While often described as Art Deco, the design actually pre-dates the movement. The central front porch shows touches of Egyptian Revival, a style Sutherland used in other works. Inside, the “cameo ceiling” is a rare and striking feature. Each plaster cameo is different, adding texture, depth, and artistry. Some call the style Neoclassical, though at the time it was simply called “ornamental.”
The hall was first known as the Lawloit Shire Hall. In 1939, the shire was renamed Kaniva, and so the building became the Kaniva Shire Hall. The Honour Rolls inside are recognised on the Victorian Heritage Database.
Commercial Hotel
Built in 1928, The Commercial Hotel is a fine example of pre-art-deco architecture. It is well worth a visit after significant five year renovation to restore it to its former glory. It features a lead light ceiling over its sweeping staircase, pressed tin ceilings, ladies room and even had a room for a visiting dentist. More info.
Commercial Street
A number of buildings have retained their facades and information plaques can be found on the outside of the buildings. A free heritage walking tour can be accessed via the Actionbound App beginning at the Kaniva Visitor Information Centre.
More Museums
Discover Kaniva's main street heritage buildings with this short smartphone walking tour
Kaniva Shire Hall
The Kaniva Shire Hall, built in 1927, is one of two public buildings in Victoria to feature a cameo ceiling. The upstairs features the old council chambers and the downstairs offices are now used by the genealogy group. In days gone by, the hall was also used as a cinema and roller skating rink. The hall can be viewed by visiting the West Wimmera Shire Council offices in Baker St adjacent to the hall during office hours. It is now used for a variety of community events and is available for private hire. It was recently restored to include accessibility features of ramps and doors.
Kaniva Shire Hall History
The Kaniva Shire Hall was officially opened at 3pm on September 18th, 1928. A “turning of the key” ceremony marked the occasion, and despite the rough weather, a cheering crowd was eager to step inside. Guests enjoyed a “knife and fork” tea in the dining room before a concert featuring artists from Nhill, Horsham, Murtoa, and Melbourne. An 18-piece orchestra provided music, and a local band played for the dance that followed.
The hall also became home to the Kaniva Picture Company. On opening night, they screened Half an Hour with a Camera. Visiting “picture show man” L.A. Hutchinson praised the venue, calling it the most up-to-date theatre he had seen outside the city.
Over time, the building became known as the Kaniva Theatre. It hosted community balls, weddings, funerals, public meetings, and even roller skating in the 1980s. The very first ball was the “Matron’s Ball” in October 1928. Its hardwood floor, often described as “Jaffa friendly,” made it perfect for dancing and skating alike.
The hall was built as a joint project between the Lawloit Shire Council and the Mechanics Institute. It served as both a public hall and the municipal chambers, and was a point of pride for the community, the architect, and the builders. Melbourne architect Gordon J. Sutherland won a design competition in 1926, creating a concrete, brick, and steel structure that cost £8,000 to build. Smith Brothers of Werribee won the tender, and the foundation stone was laid the following year by Shire President S. Roy Champness.
While often described as Art Deco, the design actually pre-dates the movement. The central front porch shows touches of Egyptian Revival, a style Sutherland used in other works. Inside, the “cameo ceiling” is a rare and striking feature. Each plaster cameo is different, adding texture, depth, and artistry. Some call the style Neoclassical, though at the time it was simply called “ornamental.”
The hall was first known as the Lawloit Shire Hall. In 1939, the shire was renamed Kaniva, and so the building became the Kaniva Shire Hall. The Honour Rolls inside are recognised on the Victorian Heritage Database.
Commercial Hotel
Built in 1928, The Commercial Hotel is a fine example of pre-art-deco architecture. It is well worth a visit after significant five year renovation to restore it to its former glory. It features a lead light ceiling over its sweeping staircase, pressed tin ceilings, ladies room and even had a room for a visiting dentist. More info.
Commercial Street
A number of buildings have retained their facades and information plaques can be found on the outside of the buildings. A free heritage walking tour can be accessed via the Actionbound App beginning at the Kaniva Visitor Information Centre.
More Museums
Kaniva, first and last highway town in Victoria.
|
|