Empire Bay Progress Hall

ABOUT
The Empire Bay Progress Hall in Gordon Road is owned by the community of Empire Bay.

PRICES
$ 25.00 p/h for bookings ending @ 6:00 PM

$ 30.00 p/h for bookings starting from 6:00 PM

$20.00 for hiring our BBQ

$20.00 if you're supplying your own jumping castle

CONDITIONS FOR CASUAL BOOKINGS

We require all Hall hirers to clean up. This includes putting crockery and cutlery away after washing them up and emptying all bins into the appropriate collection bins. All tables and chairs need to cleaned and put back where they were found. The hall should to be swept out. If the BBQ is used, it must be cleaned and placed back in the shed where it is stored.

* Note: A cleaning fee of $50 p/h will apply if the Hall is not left as it was when you arrived *

** A refundable security deposit of $300 is required with every booking. These fees are to be paid via Direct Deposit by the Tuesday before the weekend of your booking and are refunded to your bank account via a Direct Credit, after inspection of premises , unless the Hall is left in an unacceptable condition after your hire **

*** We do not cater to teenage / young adult parties up to the age of 25 ***

**** Hall hire is at the discretion of the Progress Association ***

Any Other Questions?

Please call Diane, our Hall Booking Manager,

Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on 0457 650 955



HISTORY OF EMPIRE BAY PROGRESS HALL

Around about 1918 a local oyster farmer, Bill Myler, was developing his land and he donated a parcel of this land on the corner of Gordon Road and Sorrento Road to the people of Empire Bay. Documents and custodians were established.

A short time later, Bill and Skipper Merritt formed a plan to build a community hall. With local assistance, both financially and with free labour, the hall was completed in 1922. The original building was flat on the ground to the rear of the present building. The materials for the hall were either donated or purchased from different areas, and some were transported to the site by ferry.

The hall was used by the youth club with activities organised by Jack Ryan. There was also a kitchen for the hall users. It was very popular for many years, with old time dancing every second week, and hoi and cards played on alternate weekends.

The advent of the Rip Bridge in 1974, and large clubs with poker machines saw the popularity of the hall decline. In the late 1990's a proposal was put forward to upgrade the hall, and on 23rd February, 1999 application was made to Council for proposed extensions. On 8th June, 2001 a construction certificate was issued including details of the extension, access ramp and facilities for the handicapped.

With incredible support from locals, both by donation of materials and labour the new hall was officially opened on the October long weekend in 2002 at our original Art Show.

Without various Grants through Gosford City Council and the New South Wales Government we would not have been able to achieve our goals. Between 2002 and 2009, we received over $57,000 to help cover the costs of providing the access ramp, furniture, outdoor undercover area, a new floor and renovation to our kitchen. In 2009-2010 roof ventilation and insulation was installed, along with solar pump hot water system and a water tank.

A committee was set up to maintain the hall and grounds in excellent condition, and continual improvements have been made.

The Hall is currently used by Laycock Street Dance, Scrabble Club, Mozzies Playgroup, Bouddi Seniors, Yoga, Tai Chi and Papertole.

On weekends casual bookings are available for birthdays, weddings, engagements, christenings, concerts, film nights, fashion parades etc.

The Progress Association is the custodian of the Hall and our aim is to keep it in good order for the use of our community. Each year we have a Village Fair in October, and Christmas Eve festivities to bring everyone together.